Communication happens when two parties understand what is being said.
This week I have learned to better communicate with the business coaching team. I have also trained others on how to improve their communication skills. It is very easy for almost everybody in today’s world to assume what was said in a conversation instead of asking or clarifying. There isn’t a single person out there who wants to looks stupid and therefore if something is not clearly understood only an assumption will be made.
Most conversations happening this very second around the world are not genuine conversations where each person understands what is being said. Unfortunately learning how to communicate clearly and effectively is not focused on at any point in most upbringings. From home to schools, or afterward, in the work environment, you will not find people encouraging clear speaking or confident speaking. This lack of concern for quality communication sparks a never-ending doom loop of confusion and misunderstood discussions.
This week has provided a huge shift in the way I communicate with others around me. It is well understood for business owners that they have to communicate clearly and confidently to get the business coaching tasks done. When delegating a task to be completed, making a sale, or explaining the requirements of a position a confident and clear conversation will make ensure a more successful outcome. The more specific words are used in place of vague “they”, “it”, “something” can move mountains in your life and in social situations.
Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors said of acronyms that anyone who is caught using them on company time will be fired. Musk does not have time to deal with the confusion that all too often comes with using acronyms, just speak the words. Acronyms while I intended to save time actually take more time and lead to increased mistakes and decreased efficiency. Save the company headaches and time, stop using acronyms.
Another method used wisely to save time is to stop memorizing things.
I want to put a stop to and end memorization. The brain is for thinking not remembering. To communicate thoughts and ideas effectively requires brainpower and if the brain is full of memorizing years of stuff then there is little room left for thinking. Confidently communicating with someone takes thought processes. Next time you are in a conversation & struggling to think through an opinion that requires mental strength.
The pen is for remembering and the mind is for thinking.
Next time you want to communicate thoughts, take the time to use specific language, and take the time to enunciate each word. Speak with full enthusiasm with each word. A clearly spoken thought will provide respect among your business coaching peers as well as your team. Clear communication will set you apart from the competition. When potential customers see the one option that sticks out from the rest it suddenly becomes easier to move forward in a sale or a training.