WorkMatters Tips Issue #42 – April 8,2008
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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What are YOU Communicating?
Seems like so many leadership challenges are disguised as "communication problems." Just recently an executive told his staff that to be eligible for promotion, they had to be in a given position for at least two years. Thinking the matter was clear,the leader went on with his day.
Later, the office was in an uproar because employees understood they would not be given a raise for at least two years. "I thought I was being clear, but they didn’t hear what I said." Actually they did. They just interpretted the information differently.
Communication can be complicated. There are many variables involved like these:
* WHAT you say. The real message you’re trying to convey.
* HOW you say it. The tone in which your message is delivered, your body language and nonverbal behavior.
* WHY you say it. This is your intention, the impact you’re trying to create.
To complicate matters, individuals respond differently to all the above. They interpret what, how and why you say what you do to whom using their own filters.
You can be direct and straightforward with one person, while another person interprets that kind of communication as harsh and insensitive.Some may not even hear your real message at all if not said with the right tone and timing.
What’s a leader to do?
* Increase your awareness. Learn more about your own communication tendencies. And understand more about those with whom you communicate.
* Continue to improve your own communication, including listening skills. Challenge others in your organization to do the same.
* Be flexible. The best leaders can adapt their communication to different people and different audiences. Bend without compromising your natural communication style and voice.
* Speak in front of groups as much as possible. Practice!
* Use your sense of humor. Mistakes will be made. Don’t be defensive. Keep things light.
Communication is a two-way street…with potential detours and potholes along the way. Drive carefully.
PS — If I can help you or your team improve your communication to get better results, let me know.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying. ~ Oscar Wilde
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Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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