Is one of your goals to become a better communicator? A lot of people share that with me, which makes my socks roll up and down with happiness, but this goal can also feel too broad, soft and mushy.
Here are some specific, more precise scapel approaches you can take to become a stronger communicator. Start with only one, and next month, (or next week) focus on another.
The point is to keep the better communication conversation going! Try one of these.
: Ask better questions. (Start by asking MORE questions.)
: Listen for the underlying emotion.
: Be More Concise. (Delete at least 10% of your email.)
: Use Better Slides. (Only one thought per slide.)
: Ask “How Can I Communicate Better with You?”
If you’ve got this goal, or something else you want to accomplish this year, don’t wait to get started.
Do not wait for consensus.
Do not wait for the stars to line up.
Do not wait for approval, applause, or a vote of confidence.
Reduce as much friction as you can and move forward.
Reduce Friction in Communication
Have you ever put off an important conversation because it just seemed like too much trouble? Friction causes that awkwardness, dread, or the feeling of requiring too much energy.
Delaying these important conversations because you feel uncomfortable about them only drags you down.
There are easy things you can do to reduce friction in your communication.
For example, if you attend a dinner party where you don’t know all the guests, it reduces your stress (or friction) if the hosts have placed name cards to let you know where to sit. That’s one less decision you have to make.
If someone lets you know the purpose of the conversation up front, that reduces friction because you aren’t trying to figure out what this is all about. You know where the other person is coming from.
A clear agenda reduces friction for everyone in the meeting.
Having a default place to meet for lunch reduces the friction of having to make that decision.
Anything you do to reduce uncertainty or to answer a question up front, reduces friction for the other party. Less friction means less tension, more receptivity and access to greater creativity in your conversations.
If you aren’t sure how you can reduce friction for your team, ask this one question:
How can I communication better with you?
The first time you ask you probably won’t get much. Keep asking though, and you will see what you can do to reduce friction, improve performance and lower stress for everyone on your team.
Becoming a better communicator is WD-40 for your career goals. When people like you and understand you, they become wind in your sails. And you become unstoppable.
I can help you improve internal communications at work. Reach out through the contact form and we can chat about a fun workshop or powerful personal coaching.
