How many
times it happened,
That,
your meeting just overrun.
That, you
are very excited about a topic but get an ice-cold response from your partner
or friend when you share it.
That, the
first 10 mins of a meeting you schedule revolves around personal matters
That, you
wonder why it is taking longer to come to the point in a discussion.
If you
think this had happened to you, then this blog is for you. After you read this, you will be able to see the communication in a different light.
Communications
is fundamental to the existence and survival of humans as well as to an
organization. But what exactly is communication?
Communication
is a process of creating and sharing ideas, information, views, facts,
feelings, etc. among the people to reach a common understanding. And
communication skills... it’s the ability to impart knowledge in ways that are
understandable for recipients. There is a common understanding that “Good
communication is the key to success.” But we can refine it a bit “Good
communication is good, but clear communication is the key to
success”.
But How
can we make our communication clear? By clearing throat, by using flowery
language. No.. The mantra for it is simple it is in the communication style.
Communication styles are the broad ways in which people tend to communicate
with others.
When I
sat down to write this speech, my friend called me. He started
sharing the work pressure and tensions. This went for an hour an half. And I
just listen and sometimes asking some questions. I chose to listen, why?... For peace... Not exactly... that’s major because of my communication style. A mix of Supportive and Analytical. As a supportive
communicator generally I’m an active listener. The questions come from
my analytical side, trying to be a problem solver. This usually works better in my conversation
with my friends.
The
supportive communicators are usually patient and people-friendly. The supportive
communicator looks for a purpose and tends to ask “why” more, like, why are we
doing this. Those who were in the executive council in the last 4 terms might have
heard it often in the EC meetings. That’s a characteristic of those Supportive communicators.
The
picture changes when it comes to the office. I work horizontally and have to do
work with 3 managers. The other day I
was presenting a business improvement idea to one of them. The proposal was on
the way we can optimize efforts on user queries and effort reduction. I started
with the way we capture queries and then on how to analyses those queries, the
tools we have, and on an on. He becomes impatient and cut me short. That was not what
he was looking for. He wants bullet points and a timeline. Like an eagle, we
need things to be move faster and quickly reach new heights. These are the
characteristics of a Direct communicator. When speaking with them, start with the
conclusion.
I was
welcomed with tons of questions when I presented bullet points to the second
manager. He wants details of each and every task, step by step I have to explain
it. And also backup plan when plan A goes wrong. Oh, boys that were a tough
meeting. Like an Owl, they are observant. they need details. Be ready with a detailed plan when you talk to such people.
The
meeting with the third manager was the one which usually goes forever
and overruns every time. We both are a supportive communicator. Like a Dove, We
are considerate patient and people-friendly. The word “We” usually comes in the conversation. Speaking with these
types of communicators, be relaxed, logical, and people-friendly. In communication, they tend to be a patient, sympathetic, and active listener.
The style of
communication developed over the years through all the experiences, observations, and
learning you went through. The style of
communication is easy to understand by listening to others. Pause a listen, whether
the one you are communicating is of an Eagle nature or an Owl nature or of the nature
of Dove. That’s the simple mantra. Tailor your current. That makes you
communication clear.
Clear
communication creates accountability, builds a positive, trusting environment,
avoids confusion, and provides a guiding source of vision. Whether you are a
business owner, a CEO, or a freelancer, developing clear communication skills
will serve to grow your business ideas, interpersonal skills, enhance your
leadership, and fast track your success. The way you say it matters.
