Taking Time to Think Before Communicating a Message

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:38:15 GMT

Taking time to ? b/4 given the 411: It has been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Have you missed me since I haven’t written anything? It has become apparent to those around me that I have a lot going on and less time to just sit and enjoy. Do you ever feel that way? Has your communication become rushed and you are always looking for a shortcut to get “IT” said?

It is time to slow down and think more about your communication. I use a very simple 3 step process for preparing my communication.

Audience

What do they already know?

What do they need to know?

Purpose

How do I support my message to them?

What data will provide best results?

Goal

How will I know if they got the message?

This simple 5 question example above proves timeless when thinking of communicating with others. I can write more effective emails, hold better meetings and prepare for a conference call with the knowledge that I have my audience in mind.

What do you do to prepare for your audience? Are you giving your audience what they need to make a difference?

Spend a few minutes before your next meeting, email or call and ask yourself these questions. It will give you the clarity of mind to deliver a very powerful message that everyone understands.

Speak Up or Quit Whinning

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 09:55:46 GMT

I often tell people that speaking up for what you believe in is important. I also tell them that speaking up doesn't mean telling people off, fighting the system or causing problems. Speaking up means to get the tools that make your job easier, and cutting through the red tape that hinders progress.

Speaking up is telling people what you need to do your job effectively and to the best of your ability. If you do not have the tools to do your job then ask for them. The number 1 complaint I hear from students regarding their work environment is not having the tools to do the job they have been asked to do and do well. We are all held accountable to metrics of some sort that are set by those not doing the work. For example, one day I was trying to do invoices but didn't have all the information to do the job. When I contacted the sales person I was told he was working on it. His boss told me that invoicing must be created that day regardless. I could not do my job but the boss didn't care.

How do you fix it without upsetting someone or putting yourself in a bad position? Ask for what you need. Finally after several calls, emails and a lot of complaining I did what was necessary. I contacted the customer, got the invoicing information necessary, and submitted the billing. I had to speak up and get what I needed. I had to take the initiative because circumstances were hindering me from doing my job. All future issues were solved with speaking up front with sales and the customer about invoicing information. Probelm solved by asking for what I needed and not waiting for others to do their job.

I tell you this so that you can whisper the following mantra to yourself when barriers get in your way: "Speak up, get out, or shut up and quit whinning" these are the only 3 options you have when barriers keep you from working at peak performance.

Communication in Business

Taking Time to Think Before Communicating a Message

Speak Up or Quit Whinning