5 clues that you need communications help…
March 2, 2012 § 2 Comments
by Audrey Glenn
We all know that our communication skills are the key to how far we go in our careers and even our personal relationships. But few of us know how to improve the way we connect or express ourselves. For the 1% of the population who is sure that how they communicate is helping them win, you can stop reading now.
But for those who aren’t so sure (aka the rest of us), here are 5 clues that you need some help:
1. You aren’t creating productive relationships with the people who matter. Whether its employees, colleagues or customers, your communications style is key to creating win-win scenarios that make you stand out and matter to those who impact your future. You’d be surprised how an executive communications strategy would propel your relationships and build a personal community of “followers” for you.
2. You are often misunderstood. Darn it, they missed the mark AGAIN! But it was so clear (at least in your mind, right?) A sure sign that your communications are “off” is that others don’t pick up on what you expected, needed, and did not want. If you think this creates frustration for you, imagine the angst it conjures up for employees!
3. You often misunderstand. That’s right, the faithful partner to being ineffective in expressing oneself, is not hearing what others have expressed. Listening skills are paramount to building bridges, but you’ve got to be willing to work on improving them.
4. Your emails, articles, blogs, letters, etc. get you no response. Well this may seem like an easy one to fix. But if you are not a professional writer – take that back – an EXPERT writer, then you are probably missing the mark and many caveats that could help you make the right connections (and provoke the desired responses).
5. You just don’t have the time. If you find yourself rushing to say what you have to say or write what you have to write, just to get out the door, then you may need to enlist the help of a professional who can take the time to ensure that you get it right, the first time around.
Great synopsis on communication Audrey. Can’t wait until you pen your first book………..D. Carter
Thanks so much for reading. I have room on my schedule to work with an ambitious professional who needs help with communications and/or other executive needs. On that note, be on the lookout for future snippets of wisdom!