com⋅mu⋅ni⋅ca⋅tion –noun the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs. (Dictionary.com)
It can be your friend or your foe. A well communicated message is often executed flawlessly and with a high level of success while an unclearly communicated message can lead to.....well, WAR! Increasing Communication improves performance in both your business and personal life.
Think back to the last time you had an argument or disagreement with a coworker, friend or spouse. Was it because of what was said or was it because of what wasn't said? Communication, as defined above, includes the interchange of thoughts and ideas. The key word is "interchange"! So often our biggest miscommunication occur when we assume that communication has taken place, and it hasn't. When we increase communication our Perofmance improves.
To INCREASE COMMUNICATION FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE , consider the following:
1. Know what your goal is- What do you want the other person to know, think or do?
2. Choose words carefully- Words set the parameters of how people will react to you.
3. Use the proper tone and inflection- Emphasizing different words in a sentence can dramatically change the way your message is perceived.
4. Listen- Quality listening can be the primary reason for meaningful communication.
5. Break pre-occupations- Make sure that all parties involved in the communication are fully vested in the topic at hand.
No man-made weapon has been devised so lethal, potent, or dangerous as words used wrongly." - Lary Dorst
*Dane Bauerle* Business Coach* The Dynamic Leader* San Antonio, Texas* www.TheDynamicLeader.com