Listening, asking questions, and pausing for reflection are important tools in your quest to maximize your potential. These are aspects of effective communication, with yourself and others.
Listening is not the same as hearing. And listening is often taken for granted. I, like some of you, have had numerous experiences where the voice inside directed me to a certain path. Of course I knew better and did things “my way” which has cost me a lot of time, money, energy, and some wounded relationships.
In business, the cost of not listening can impact: morale, customers, loss of valuable employees, poor hiring decisions, productivity, profitability, the industry and the community.
Questions lead to solutions and insight. Not just any question but asking effective questions leads to the best solution and wise insights. Consider the difference between: How was your day? vs. What are some of the best (or most important) things that happened today? These are basically the same question. However you’ll get quite different responses.
Pausing for reflection keeps you centered. It also gives you the opportunity to take in information, discern its importance, look at options, and make better decisions for your personal and professional life.
How would you rate your communication skills? Do you get the results and responses you expect when interacting with people whether face-to-face, with small groups, over the telephone, or when writing?
Let's take a look at how you can improve communication skills.
Planning whether for verbal or written communication, is time well spent. So...
determine the purpose or reason for communicating. Are you giving information? asking for a decision?, etc.
think about what action you want taken and when.
prepare a brief agenda so nothing is forgotten; and you stay on track.
know your audience. The better you know who you are communicating to, the easier it is to get your message across.
select the best method: letter, e-mail, telephone, face-to-face, voice mail, fax, group/team meeting, etc.
Telephone and voice mail, require a few simple steps such as:
identifying yourself when you first call .
speaking clearly and distinctly.
respecting the other person's time by being concise and to the point .
leaving a detailed message.
Enhance the effectiveness of your communication by:
focusing on the issues, not the person or personality traits.
maintaining positive, respectful relationships.
listening with your ears, eyes, and heart in order to gain understanding.
being open-minded. This enables you to take initiative and get all the facts.
respecting the viewpoints and opinions of the person(s) involved.
setting mutually agreed to and realistic action steps and time frames.
walking your talk, which eliminates mixed messages.
knowing what you have control over — yourself, your attitudes, and your actions.
asking effective questions.
honoring the different personality, behavioral and communication styles.
thanking the person(s) for their time and anything else that is relevant.
Continuous improvement applies to your communication as well as business practices. So be sure to
debrief yourself on what went well and improvements for next time.
follow-up. Timely follow-up ensures the right things get done. ASW
To Your Potential! SM is written for individuals and businesses committed to harnessing their potential. Information contained in this newsletter is general in nature and is not intended to replace professional consultation. . To Your Potential! SM is published by ASW.
ASW - A System that Works SM - is a speaking, training, facilitation, and coaching company focusing on professional, entrepreneurial, and personal growth and development. For information on our services and programs or to schedule a private session, contact: Antoinette S. Webster, ME!, President, ASW, 640 Foster Ave., Hamilton, OH 45015, (513) 887-0600, Antoinette@ASystemthatWorks.com , www.ASystemthatWorks.com
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