How to Communicate
by Miki Saxon
Successful communications go a long way to sustaining successful relationships.
Relationships are a function of human interaction and whether they are short or long you need to communicate.
When those involved are peers, as in a marriage, good communication is a responsibility of both.
But when one person is subordinate to the other, such as parent and child, it is up to the parent to make sure that whatever is being communicated is understood.
Human interactions in companies are also relationships and follow the same rules.
If you are a manager how do you make sure you are heard?
It’s pretty simple as long as you remember to do it every time, no exceptions.
Did you know that all people have a mental model through which they hear?
That means their understanding of the words you use may have little-to-nothing to do with what you meant when you said them.
It’s a grave tactical error to assume anything else
There are 3 actions you must do to assure that you are heard correctly.
- Start by carefully explaining your model and your assumptions when giving direction;
- give your people clear, complete information on the subject. This includes what you want done, project outlines, deadlines, everything—you do not want them to have to keep coming back and asking for more—getting information should not be like pulling teeth; and then
- check by having them explain it back to you; it’s the only way to be sure that they have actually heard and understood your information, rather than their version of it;
- do it today, do it tomorrow, do it all the time.
It may feel awkward at first, but eventually it will become second nature.
The more these actions are needed the greater the likelihood of them being perceived as nuisance, but not doing them is a career-killer.
Your payback will come in rising productivity, more motivated people, and lower turnover—all positively affecting your personal bottom line.
Image credit: Torley on flickr
