I hope you enjoyed last week’s Thought for the Week; “The Ghosting Epidemic” – about how “ghosting” is becoming more and more common now in the corporate world and workplace. This goes against all we know about etiquette, manners and the importance of good communication.
This week I delivered a course that I run regularly for our local university centre; “Effective and Assertive Communication”. Those who attend are mainly from Corporate backgrounds, and at various levels within their Company.
One of the biggest struggles people face is a lack of confidence and a fear of upsetting others by saying things in the wrong way. And I have seen clients tie themselves in absolute knots over this wondering how to phrase things!
Communication can be perceived as complicated, especially with all of the different modes of communication we have these days, yet the techniques I show people, just simplify this whole dilemma!
It always amazes me to see the lightbulbs going on as people realise how they have been over-complicating the way they communicate and how simple it is when they know how!
Then, when they face a tricky situation, they feel better equipped to deal with it and when they handle it well, their confidence soars.
This is a topic I wish I could cover in a few sentences here – this needs more time and interaction. What I can offer you now though is one simple tip …
When another person is agitated / upset, whether it be a client, a colleague, an associate or whatever – just listen to them! And I mean listen without talking!
So, many people believe they are listening when they are actually doing most of the talking, probably without realising!
So, just listen to the other person, let them get everything off their mind. Then, only when they stop talking, summarise what they just told you to ensure you have understood correctly. And you might want to ask a question to clarify something they said or to ask what they have already tried. You might ask them what they most need right at this moment (if that’s appropriate).
This is the quickest way to diffuse conflict – to just listen! It’s so simple and effective and yet people so often forget to do this then get sucked into a negative situation that escalates.
“The most basic and powerful way to connect with another person is to listen. Just Listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention … A loving silence has far more power to heal and to connect that the most well-intentioned words”
-Rachel Naomi Remen-
[Author, including of: “Kitchen Table Wisdom”]
As always, I will leave you with that thought! I will be in touch again with more thoughts and tips on how you, and / or your team can be more effective communicators.
So, if you, or one of your colleagues would like to explore this further, you can book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with me! There is absolutely no obligation. After 30 minutes, you / they will have gained more clarity on the next step they want to take.
Also, I still have a couple of places for The Communication Code Group Coaching Programme starting on October 20th. Click HERE to find out more.
With best wishes,
Korinne