Communication is the key to influencing others and creating powerful teams, relationships and joint forces to achieve successful outcomes
WHAT IS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION?
In simple words, effective communication means listening attentively and conveying information efficiently with empathy. It portrays your confidence and body language which is important while communicating with people around you.
The Five C's Of Effective Communication:
1. Be clear.
To communicate effectively, you must know what you want and take ownership of your needs. Before communicating your issue, identify it and know what you want and need from the other person. When you experience an issue, try to clarify why it shows up for you. Do you feel disrespected and shut down when a colleague is not open to hearing your opinion in a meeting? Understand what value of yours isn't being honored, and own it. It’s your responsibility to initiate the tough conversation.
Communicate the issue directly without misinterpreting or reacting emotionally, judgmentally, or defensively. Take ownership of your experience, and be transparent. Be as clear and objective as possible.
2. Be concise
Keep your requests direct, simple, and to the point. The less wordy, the better. Don't get caught up in the story — focus on getting your point across in the most succinct manner and moving the conversation forward.
3. Provide a compelling request
Once you make a change request, you’re in negotiations. After communicating the issue, provide the person with a suggested solution that you’d be happy with. If you feel shut down and dismissed in meetings whenever you consider your area of expertise, first ask the other person if there's a deeper issue. Then, ask how you might resolve it, and make your request to be listened to in the future. Explain that it’s just as important for you to express your opinion or expertise, be involved in the conversation, and share your thoughts on the topic to provide necessary feedback.
4. Be curious
Listen to what the other person needs. Once you make a request, be curious about the other person’s issues and objectives and what they might need to fulfill your request. It’s not all about you. Understand where the other person is coming from because they also have needs and issues to be addressed.
5. Be compassionate
Attempt to understand the other person. Listen carefully to their feedback, and put your assumptions aside. When people feel like they're being heard, they tend to open up more and feel safer and more secure in the conversation, which can lead to a more trusting relationship. Understanding, recognizing, and appreciating how others feel is crucial to resolving conflict, managing change, and making tough decisions. Strive to negotiate a win for both parties by considering the other person’s perspective. Get a clear understanding of what it would take for both of you to get a positive outcome.
Dynamic communication is one of the most important skills to develop. It's beneficial not only in the workplace but also in virtually every area of your life. It’s important to understand that communication builds bridges and connects people in a powerful way. When you can get your point across objectively, others are more likely to open up, see your perspective and negotiate with you. Communication is the key to influencing others and creating powerful teams, relationships, and joint forces to achieve successful outcomes.