Communication
"When I get ready to talk to people, I spend two-thirds of the time
thinking what they want to hear and one-third thinking about what I want to
say."
- Abraham Lincoln
Last month, I started a new series on Communication. I asked
you what your biggest communication problems were. What a response! I've got
topics for several months. Thanks! I'll tackle one of them this month.
From one of my readers: "communicating
information that affects multiple people, to one person, forgetting or not
knowing others should be included (by simply copying them on an e-mail or
picking up the phone); or expecting the person who receives the information to
pass it along (and they usually don't); seems to me the primary issue is not
considering (stopping to determine) all the individuals who might need to know
the information. How do you teach that? I worry that it's common
courtesy and you either understand it or you don't! Why not just ASK
someone?"
You can
sense the frustration in these words, can't you? My initial answer is that it is common courtesy, but it can be taught.
How much time do you spend having to get
additional information when someone has sent you an email or left a message on
your voice mail? Wouldn't it save time if the pertinent information was
included in the original message?
Ask Yourself Questions
The
easiest way to make sure you are communicating complete information is to ask
yourself a few questions:
- Who?
Who is the intended recipient? If it is written, who else might end up reading
it? Who else needs this information? Have you included your contact information so the recipient knows who you are and how to reach you? Don't assume the recipient knows your phone number.
- What?
What is the reason for the message? If it's an email, make sure the subject
reflects the content. If you are leaving a voice mail, leave enough information
so the recipient can easily respond.
- Where? When?
If you are sending information about an event, be sure to include the location and
the day and time. If you are requesting information, specify when
you need it. "As soon as possible,"
"immediately," and "in the next few days" mean different
things to different people. Be specific.
- Why?
Explain your need for the particular information so the recipient has some
context.
- How?
How do you want the information delivered? Do you want a phone call? Or is
postal mail appropriate? How do you want
a task completed? Have you provided enough specific information that the
recipient will understand exactly what you are asking? How will this message be
received? Have you been diplomatic? Have you been too diplomatic?
You
won't need to answer all the questions every time you send a message, but it's
a good practice to simply read through your message and run through these
questions. It's a first step toward
becoming an effective communicator. The truly gifted communicators follow
Lincoln's ratio. (smile)
Feedback, Please
Let me know what your biggest communication
problem is. I'll try to cover the subject in an upcoming issue.
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Upcoming Training
In the next couple of months, I'll announce dates, times, and places, but wanted you all to be the first to know what I'm working on. I'm putting together materials for a workshop designed for baby boomers and seniors who want to learn the basics of social networking while not embarrassing their children. (grin)
I'm also putting together a group of sessions that will help you figure out how to reach all your goals - career, personal, financial, spiritual - no matter where you are in that journey.
Watch this space for upcoming training events and speaking
engagements. If you would like me to speak to your group or association on any
area of interpersonal communication, please let me know.
Are your employees having problems with motivation or showing signs of stress?
Often these problems result from a need for greater interpersonal skills. Call
me for a free consultation to see if my training programs can help. I'll give
you an outline of what I think will help or refer you to someone who is better suited to assist. Call 210-863-2250 or email crystal@crystaldarby.com to set up a time. |
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Crystal Communications
6000 Trone Trail
San Antonio, Texas 78238
210-863-2250
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Puzzle
Last month's puzzle was tricky. You needed to take out the letters "SIXLETTERS" which would leave you with the word "CONNECT". I can hear you groaning. Tony Estala at Univision-KWEX 41/
TeleFutura -KNIC 17
had the first correct answer.
For this month, how about a riddle?
A bus driver was heading down
a street in San Antonio. He went right past a stop sign without stopping, he
turned left where there was a "no left turn" sign, and he went the
wrong way on a one-way street. Then he went on the left side of the road past a police car. Through all this, he didn't break any traffic laws. Why not?
The first correct entry will win a $25 gift certificate from Nicavid's Bakery and Cafe.
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