Practical Pointers for Improving Communication
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August , 2023
Practical Pointers for Improving Communication
In the August 2023 Newsletter
Do You Understand Me? / Events
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Have you noticed? Communication, especially in the work environment, can be a challenge. You, the sender, say one thing and someone, the recipient, thinks you said something else. This can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, frustration, and more. Unintentionally, the recipient may get the wrong message.
As Sam Horn explains in her excellent book, Talking on Eggshells, “It’s exhausting constantly being on edge because you’re trying to say the right thing and worrying you’ll say the wrong thing. There has to be a better way to communicate with people in good times and bad.”
Practical Pointers for Improving Communication
Here are five pointers from Talking on Eggshells as well as my own life experiences.
| 1. |
VISION. Hold the vision of what you want.
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| 2. |
BE AWARE. Practice “interpersonal situational awareness.”
* Take the initiative to show care and concern for the rights and feelings of others. Serve the greater good. * Be mindful of potential regrets — read the room and pause before you speak. * Consider the priorities of the recipient and craft a suitable, shared agenda. * Sense what is not being spoken but perhaps is being communicated with body language. * Honor your intuition, listen, and then act. * Light a spark to showcase the smarts, talents, and skills of others to create a ‘rising tide’ community. * Think upstream — determine what might be causing a problem or misunderstanding so it can be fixed at its source. |
| 3. |
BUILD TRUST. When I trust someone, I give them the benefit of the doubt. I respect their perspectives. Trust is built over time through feedback, showing empathy, and building a relationship. Trusts leads to better and more authentic communications.
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| 4. |
STRIVE TO UNDERSTAND. Start talking authentically. Ask for clarification to “help me understand.”
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| 5. | PLAN. Sam Horn suggests you build a P-L-A-N in advance: P – Put your purpose in one sentence. L – Learn and focus on recipients’ priorities, interests, and needs. A – Anticipate resistance and make it moot. N – Name a new next direction. |
Summary
Strive to improve your communications so that you are understood. How? Hold a vision, be aware, build trust, strive to understand, and build a plan in advance. Read the book Talking on Eggshells for more practical pointers. Rather than talking on eggshells, you will find ease in communicating.
Selected Events
September 12-17, 2023. I will be in Pittsburgh for a BIG family event, my daughter’s wedding. If you’re in the area, reach out and connect.
September 20, 2023. SIPA Conference. I hope to see you at the Statewide Internet Portal Authority conference in Denver. If you qualify, register here.
September 21, 2023. Private Directors Association in Denver. Join me for a program on “Is Your Board Prepared for an Acquisition?” 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM MT. Register here.
September 22-23, 2023. High School Reunion. Hey Morton East graduates, will I see you at our High School reunion in Illinois? Reach out and let’s make sure we connect.
September 28-30, 2023. Western Colorado University Homecoming Weekend. As a Trustee, I will participate in the Board of Trustees meetings. Join in the rest of the activities. Stay tuned for a BIG announcement from the Elevate Western campaign.
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
C-Level Executive, Corporate Director, Consultant, and Colorado CIO of the Year
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