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10 Secrets to Great Communication
Justin Mecham
May 20, 2024
In partnership with
Hey Full Potential Zoners!
Ever feel like your message just isn't getting through?
You're not alone.
Only 13% agree that their leaders communicate effectively.
Highlighting a large issue in workplace communication. (Gallup)
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Ineffective communication plagues workplaces globally.
This leads to:
🔸 Increased misunderstandings.
🔸 Lowered employee morale.
🔸 Reduced productivity.
Today we are going to help leaders master this by using my:
‘Understand How You Communicate' wheel of communication.
Let’s dive in!
10 Lessons to Master Communication
Be Clear
Use simple words.
Keep your messages brief.
Be Concise
Stick to the point.
Avoid unnecessary details.
Be Considerate
Understand your audience.
Tailor your message to their needs.
Be Consistent
Repeat key points.
Ensure your messages align over time.
Be Constructive
Focus on solutions, not problems.
Encourage feedback to improve understanding.
Be Empathetic
Listen actively.
Show understanding and compassion.
Be Open-Minded
Welcome different viewpoints.
Encourage diverse perspectives.
Be Engaging
Use stories to illustrate points.
Ask questions to involve others.
Be Authentic
Be yourself when communicating.
Share genuine thoughts and feelings.
Be Respectful
Value others' opinions.
Avoid interrupting or dismissing ideas.
Be Empathetic
A marketing team at a tech company I was helping was struggling with low morale and communication issues.
Team members felt their ideas were not being heard, and there was a noticeable lack of collaboration.
Meetings often ended in frustration, with little progress made on projects.
I noticed that empathy was greatly lacking in most interactions.
I created a plan called “Rules of Engagement” to address this.
Here's how we implemented it -
Active Listening Training:
We conducted a workshop focused on active listening skills.
Team members practiced listening to each other without interrupting and paraphrasing what they heard to ensure understanding.
This helped in acknowledging everyone's input and reducing misunderstandings.
Empathy Mapping:
We created empathy maps for each team member, highlighting their roles, challenges, and perspectives.
This visual tool helped everyone understand and appreciate the unique contributions and difficulties faced by their colleagues.
Open Feedback Sessions:
We established regular feedback sessions where team members could share their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.
These sessions were guided by empathy, focusing on constructive feedback and support rather than criticism.
Team Building Activities:
We organized activities that fostered empathy and collaboration.
For example, team members were paired up and tasked with solving problems that required them to rely on each other's strengths and insights.
The Result:
These communication practices led to a noticeable improvement in team dynamics.
Team members felt heard and valued, which boosted morale and productivity.
Meetings became more effective, with increased participation and collaboration.
The overall quality of work improved, and the team was able to meet deadlines more consistently.
Here's how you can make it real over the next 4 days:
Day 1: Observation
Choose one of the 10 communication lessons you want to work on this week.
Pay close attention to how you communicate today.
Note moments when you struggle with or excel in your chosen communication lesson.
Write down at least three observations.
Reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "Today, I am focusing on observing my communication skills, specifically [chosen lesson]. Help me with some tips on what to look out for and how to take effective notes on my observations.”
Day 2: Active Practice
Actively apply your chosen communication lesson throughout the day.
For example, if you chose "Be Empathetic," focus on truly listening to others without interrupting.
If you chose "Be Clear," make sure your messages are simple and straightforward.
Write down your experiences.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I am working on improving my communication by focusing on [chosen lesson]. Provide some practical examples and tips on how to effectively practice this lesson throughout my day."
Day 3: Seek Feedback
Ask a colleague, friend, or family member for feedback on your communication.
Choose someone who you interact with regularly.
Explain the communication lesson you are working on and ask for specific feedback on how you are doing.
Listen openly to their input and write down their suggestions.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I need to seek feedback on my communication, specifically about [chosen lesson]. How can I ask for constructive feedback and what specific questions should I ask to get useful insights?"
Day 4: Reflect and Plan
Reflect on the past three days and plan how to continue improving.
Write a brief summary of what you learned and how you felt about the changes in your communication.
Set one or two specific goals to continue working on the chosen lesson.
Plan and write down actionable steps to achieve these goals.
ChatGPT Prompt to Help: "I want to reflect on my progress with [chosen lesson] and set new goals. Guide me on how to effectively reflect on my experiences and create actionable plans for continued improvement."
Understanding how you communicate will transform your relationships and work life.
Even small improvements in how you communicate will lead to significant positive changes
Engage others in meaningful conversations. Ask questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in their responses.
Be authentic in your communication. Genuine interactions are more impactful and build stronger bonds.
Better communication leads to better outcomes.
Find your style.
Adjust as needed.
Communicate smarter.
Until next week and with lots of love,
Justin
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
"Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone" by Mark Goulston (see it here)
TED Talk to Watch
"10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation" by Celeste Headlee (see it here)
I have built and sold 4 successful companies and I have over 20 years of executive experience.
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