Six Steps to Effective Communication

 

Effective leaders are known for being excellent communicators. How do the best leaders motivate and inspire their people? Through clear communication. How do the best organizations promote discipline, accountability and strategic alignment? With clear communication. And, how do market leaders sell their products and services? With compelling ads and marketing campaigns - in sum, by clear communication.

Here are six key steps to communicating clearly:

1. Focus on the Positive. Negative talk encourages arguments and counter attacks. It also creates a negative impression. For example, when you say, "I can't," you appear helpless and ineffective. Instead, talk about what you can do.

2. Empathize with Impossible Requests. First acknowledge the request, empathize with the other person's feelings, saying, "I wish I could fix it," and suggest a reasonable alternative.

For example, imagine that you work at a resort and it is raining. A guest walks up to you carrying a golf bag, slams it against your desk, and shouts, "This place stinks! I spent thousands of dollars coming here and it's raining."

You respond by saying, "You're right it's raining. And I know how upsetting it must feel to travel this far and be stuck inside. I wish I could make it stop. In the meantime, you may want to visit our indoor putting center. Our golf pro is offering instructions this afternoon."

3.  Ask for Help with Difficult Requests.  Begin by affirming your willingness to help and then asking the other person to help you plan a solution.

For example, if your boss asks you to start another project, you could say, "I understand you want me to start a new project. And right now I'm working on another project. To help me set my priorities, I wonder which one you want me to finish first."

4. Offer Choices. When possible, offer choices showing the consequences of different options. This allows the other person to choose both the process and its impact.

For example, you can say, "That's a great idea. And there are different ways I can meet your request. We can use our existing supplies, which are free, or we can buy custom materials, which will cost $500. Which option would you prefer?"

5. Let them Be the Judge. Deal with complaints by asking the other person to describe a fair settlement. You can say, "What do you want?" or "What would you consider a fair solution to this?" or "What would make you happy?"

6. Smile. A smile significantly affects how you sound. It also makes you more approachable. When you frown, other people hear anxiety, caution, fear, and rejection. A smile (or at least a pleasant expression) encourages open communication.

The bottom line is clear communication is the most important key to success. So to improve as a leader and manager, you must learn how to be an effective, compelling communicator.  If you want your company to succeed, you and your team have to master the art of clear communication together. By using these and other strategies, you and your employees can reach new levels of leadership excellence.

 

Visit www.levelupleadership.com for more information.  

5 Tips for Creating "REALationships"

 

"Relationship" ... Webster defines it as "a connection." We connect to many people and many things throughout our lifetime. Through these connections we create a human library of axioms and principles that we sometimes use to run our lives. Some examples include:

*    "You are what you eat."
*    "What you think about you bring about."
*    "It's not who you know it's who knows you."
*    "One hand washes the other."

You get the idea. Relationships are the life-blood of all of us, and are critical to your success in business. Have you thought lately about how to develop a "real" connections with others?

Check out these 5 tips from Larry Benet, founder of SANG (Speakers and Authors Networking Group): 

1. Start with an authentic compliment. If you like their shirt, say so. If you were drawn to them by their energy, let them know. If you heard their business was awesome, tell them so. Compliments not only make them feel good, they make YOU look good because they show you're paying attention.


2. Ask others what is most important to them and express a genuine interest in their response. (now 2 and 3 are related, so if you've done 2, go directly to 3)


3. Help them get what they want. Be a giver; not a taker. Too many networkers focus on themselves and not on that all-important relationship. Be a value creator for them.


4. Seek a common cause. Find out what charities are important to them and then find a way to help.


5. Have a system to follow up. Making REAL connections takes an investment of time and energy. Meeting someone once or running into them at the next networking breakfast simply isn't enough. Be interested. Focus on them. Send handwritten birthday cards and thank you notes. Stay connected. Send them relevant articles or something to make them smile. Get together often.

You'll find it feels really good when you truly connect with someone in a real way. Life is all about feel-good moments. Seek out ways to connect and be sure to keep it REAL!

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