It is All About Communication Within Your Circle  

Think about it. You are being influenced everyday and you are influencing someone everyday. Are you being influenced by the right people that support and honor your dreams and goals? Do they truly understand you?  

Now for the self analysis. How are you when someone in your circle seeks your opinion or approval? Do you give them what they need? What is it they need? To be heard, to be right, or maybe some other reason?  

Learning what those reasons are will help you respond in an honest holistic way. Communication styles are different with everyone. It is important to be aware of this so you can be better for your circle, and ask your circle to be better for you. 

Start with these steps:  

1. Be honest- Do not assume you know what people want from you, ask them. Likewise let them know what you want from them. It is perfectly acceptable to say "When I ask your opinion about my job, please give me the first thing that pops into your mind because I need your instinctual thoughts on this."  Or "I just need to be heard."  
2. Be real- Listening is the best way to be real. Hear all that they say with more than your ears, really listen with all of your being. Try to just be open and present for the person sharing. Ask open ended questions and be present for best results and encourage them to answer them. This is where the magic happens and it is so easy!
3. Ask before giving advice- We have all been there. You are dying to cut in and offer the solution to the problem or challenge you are hearing. Don't do it! First let the person try to come to a conclusion on their own through conversations your open ended questions. The value is in the process of  getting to the solution rather than being given the answer. It works the same for you when you are sharing. This is Coaching at its finest.  

By being up front with your needs with your circle of influence, asking them what they need from you, and using some basic deep listening skills you will begin to have a bigger influence on others as well as enjoying the results in your own life. Now get out there and grow! 

I am interested in your feedback after using these tips for a few weeks so let me know, Talk to me! You can follow my Monday Affirmation on Twitter and FaceBook every week to help you get started. 

 For a FREE 45 minute coaching session with me click the scale. 

Find Your Balance!