Tip of the Day: Communication

Fun fact: everyone wants to work on their communication (not to mention persuasion & influence), yet no one wants to work on their active listening skills.

Sure, it’s a generalization, but it’s one based on the responses from the questionnaires I send out before we start working on something new.

In case you didn’t know, there’s the harsh truth:

Nobody wants to listen to you. They want to be heard.

And you can’t hear them if you don’t shut your mouth.

The greatest changes are triggered by the smallest steps. And yes – you can make one today.

Let me illustrate: the magic of active listening in three different scenarios. Sadly, all true stories.

#1 Family relationships

Me: Are we having a coffee together or are they just dropping you off?

Mom: We’ll just leave the girls at the mall, and we’re coming right away. We’re on a tight schedule.

Me:🤦

#2 Love relationships

Me: Shall I make steak or stew for lunch?

Him: Mmm, perfect!

Me:🤦

#3 Business relationships

Me: Sorry, I have a policy of no discounts. However, we can adjust the number of sessions to meet your budget, or you can add two additional employees to the training for the same price.

Them: Actually, that sounds great!

Me:🤦

The recipe for effective communication is rather straightforward: prick up your ears, listen, and keep it simple.

When in doubt, always remember:

“Okay” is not an answer to a this-or-that question. 😉