Is on-going communication one of your least favorite parts of your job? Here are 6 questions you should ask yourself during the communication process to improve communication results.
Improve Communication with 6 Questions
I have a friend who is a cardio-thoracic surgeon. He told me one of his least favorite parts of his job was patient communication. I have since met hundreds of leaders across the country that feel the same way. [I wrote more about that here: 3 Traps That Trip Up Season Leaders]
I happen to know that my surgeon friend is an above average communicator. But, for the sake of argument, let’s assume that he is a horrible communicator. Maybe his unique credentials, experience and reputation as a world class heart surgeon, in an industry where technical skill is highly valued, would be enough to keep him at the top of his career despite his significant limitations as a communicator. But, I seriously doubt that very many of the rest of us have such a luxury. Therefore, we must perfect our communication skills.
Create More Opportunities for Yourself
We are who we are and what we are–in large part, good or bad–based on the level of our communication skills. The more accomplished our communication skills, the more personal and professional opportunities come our way. Conversely, the less skilled we are as communicators, the more opportunities drift from us to those who have learned to communicate better interpersonally.
Strive to Be Better
It is human nature to be drawn to those activities that excite us, inspire us and fulfill us. But life and work is not always exciting, inspiring and fulfilling. Sometimes you are called to rise above that which you wish you could avoid completely. All of your personal and professional activities can be enhanced if you simply commit yourself to doing your job and doing it at the highest level possible. One way to do that–strive to be a better communicator. Here are 6 questions you should ask yourself throughout the communication process to improve communication between you and others:
- Have I talked with people instead of at them?
- Have I taken the time to explain the process in advance?
- Have I told the truth?
- Have I dedicated myself to work for understanding?
- Have I made every possible effort to get them involved in the communication process?
- Have I done my job even when that job proved less than pleasurable?
Don’t Wait
My hope for you is for the ability to communicate with literally every person you meet, regardless of age, sex, status, geography, culture–on their level–not them on yours. In so doing, I believe most of your other dreams and goals would be realized. You don’t have to just wish you were a better communicator, you can start practicing by asking yourself these questions today! [A little nervous about trying? Read this: The Key to Building Confidence]
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