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It’s What Separated Us From The Dinosaurs

Communicate – plain and simple – let me say it again plain and simple, and it’s been spun in a number of different ways on how to say what you mean. Recently, I read an article on the top phrases we should avoid in our conversation – valid, “yes,” albeit missed the point – just say what you mean in plain and simple English. No one really cares about what jargon you use as long as the message is clear, concise and compelling!

Most of us realize our communication styles evolved largely in part to the knowledge we have gained, the environment we live in and the experiences shared along the way. So, why do some of us feel it necessary to puff up our chests and spit out some gobble-dee-gook or spin up “Management Weasel-speak.” Covey said, seek first to understand so you may be understood – plain, simple and powerful. How?

Listen carefully!

Ask deep, thought-provoking questions that have Voltage!

No Management Weasel-speak

No Management Weasel-speak

Be Yourself and Pay Attention – It’s quite liberating when you have that Ah-Ha moment in owning who you really are. No one knows you better than you and unless you’re comfortable in your own skin with that reality the relationships you have with others may not be as fulfilling as they could be. When was the last time you deeply listened to someone you cared about? Have you noticed when having a conversation with someone less meaningful to you there’s a tendency to drift off? Can you imagine the consequence of doing that to a customer, a client, your boss or your child?

Hear with your ears, listen with your heart and mind and apply what you learn.

Know Your Culture – in every organization and in every home, there’s a certain culture evolving from the core values or guiding principles we all live by. We all have cultural differences and just being polite can be perceived by others as being disrespectful. Just because you’re organization resembles a formal matrix doesn’t mean you have to be stodgy and stiff. Likewise, if your flat environment minimizes hierarchy, then your communications needn’t be stream of consciousness either.  The Zappos Family Core Values simplifies to me what a communication culture model can be. Be professional and communicate with everyone like you’re having a relaxing meal or a drink together. What better way to establish common ground in a new or existing relationship?!

Know Your Audience – we could write reams based upon this topic alone as we learn from each other – Millenials, Boomers, Gen X/Y and the like daily. Understanding clients and employees’ point of view is vital for successful communications. If we don’t understand each other’s point of view, then clarity and expectations will be disconnected , misconstrued and in need of repair later on. Our link to trust underscores our relationship with our audience and in developing trust, communicating effectively to our audience and within it is vital.

One of the best ways to have successful communications is to simply ask that person how they want to be communicated with. Your expectations of communication need to come from their frame of reference not your own. They’ll tell you and it’s a measure of respect and commitment to the person you care enough about that individual to ensure the success of the relationship. It’s no longer B2B or B2C, it’s Human to Human – it’s all about relationships – NOT transactions and certainly not networking! 

Keep It Simple and No BS – many of us routinely heard or used the KISS method; let’s update it, keep it simple and don’t BS anyone. Simple, concise and in a manner that your audience understands and appreciates without some Management Weasel speak. If your point is not understood, then your opportunity to develop a deeper meaningful relationship is reduced, if not ruined. So, do something positive and effective about it – no group hug, no joining hands and singing Kumbayah either…Communication IS what separates us from the Dinosaurs!

  • How powerful would your organization be if thinking strategically about communication became an important process?

  • Do you want to discover what it means to be an effective communicator?

  • What would happen if you built a stronger culture through improved communications?

  • How much impact would you have if you communicate with more authenticity and influence?

  • What would it mean to be perceived as an effective communicator?

Learn what it takes to move things forward in your organization, to Be Authentic, to Be the Message, to communicate with Awareness, Authenticity and Purpose and what the Six Critical Communication process steps can do for your and for your organization today. Before you decide, you probably want more information; please view our articles at The Culture Whisperer,  for more resources or to contact me directly 205-482-2177 or to schedule a private consultation click here.