Shut Up and Listen!
Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
You’re feeling good; you have an idea that will truly add value, and you have buy-in from your boss. You called a cross-departmental meeting to kickstart your new initiative and it went really well! Everyone at the meeting appeared to be on board, and they all know what to do next to make it happen.
Then one or more of the following things happen:
One participant sends an email with ten follow-up questions.
Another participant emails everyone – and your boss - their alternative plan.
One person lets others know how lame they think your idea is.
Three people move forward on their parts, but the rest do nothing.
Does that sound (painfully) familiar?
Group communication is challenging. No matter how good we believe our communication skills to be, communicating effectively takes intention, planning and practice.
A few tips which may help:
Communication is 40 percent talking at most. The major portion of effective communication lies in listening -- a skill that takes practice. Turning off your internal dialogue to really hear what others are saying – and not saying – takes effort. This is especially true when we are enthusiastic about a subject; we listen for agreement but don’t automatically listen for dissent.
Both in the meeting invitation and the meeting itself, explain the problem this initiative is meant to solve, why their participation is key and what the expected outcomes are.
Ask each person for input on improving the plan and how they or their group can contribute. Don’t settle for “It’s fine” or “We know what to do.” Probe for specifics; discuss their ideas rather than debate them. Listen for what is not being said with words but may be discerned through body language or tone.
Gain alignment in the meeting on each individual’s role and the due dates associated with tasks or milestones.
Immediately following the meeting, circulate a “next steps” memo, with due dates, thanking everyone and asking for communication if any dates may not be met.
You may not be able to totally win over the “Doubting Thomas” of the group, but it is far more important that you gain their alignment than their agreement.
We can all improve our listening skills, and it does take practice. Bottom line: become a better listener to become a better communicator!
~ Tracey
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Fundamental of the Week #9: COMMUNICATE TO BE UNDERSTOOD
Communicate in the least complicated way. You are accountable for what people understand or misunderstand, even on the internet.
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