According to the Forbes Coaches Council these communication habits get in your way. Whether you are chairing your quarterly board meeting or responding to an email these unconscious habits can damage relationships and impact your business growth.
Hitting ‘Send’ Too Quickly
Are you brave enough to share your email nightmare moments in our blog comment section? These disasters happen when you press ‘send’ before realizing you’re sending to the wrong person, or expressing frustration without calming down first, or replying without the info. Got more examples?
Kelly Huang, Genesis Advisers reminds you to “think on behalf of your email recipients.”
I suggest that you
- write your important emails in a word doc first,
- put your own email address in the “To” line and delete the real recipient address(es) until ready to send and
- give yourself some time to reflect before pressing “send”.
Failing To Listen With Intention
Are you a robotic listener? Do you nod, slap an open expression on your face, and wait till you get to share your own comment?
Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D suggests that instead, you need to “listen with the intention of helping colleagues feel heard, valued and understood.”
Not Asking Questions
Are you doing “Verbal Ping-Pong”? Are you going back and forth doing alternating mini-monologues? Christopher Jones, LeaderSharp Group Inc. comments, “We tend to swap opinions and stories rather than ask questions.”
He suggests taking a “coach-approach” to conversations that create a more meaningful dialogue. Ask questions vs. ping-ponging. One of my favorite phrases, also suggested by Jones, is: “Tell me more”. You create an atmosphere that builds rapport and increases trust.
What are some other bad communication habits that drive you nuts?
#communication #KarenCortellReisman #SpeakForYourself
#CommunicationBadHabits #BusinessCommunication
I’ve never sent an email too soon, but when I’m responding to one that involves deep emotion, I leave it in draft for a couple of days. If I feel the same way, then I’ll read it out loud one last time, then send it; if I’m over it, or it has resolved itself, I delete it.
Great tips, Karen. Thanks for the post.
Susie – What great tips! It is a good idea to let the emotional response “sit” for a few days and I also like the idea of reading your email out loud one last time before hitting “send”. Thanks for your comments.
Karen
I am someone who takes time to write a response or a new email.
I first write down all I wish to say.
Then keeping the recipient in mind, I edit it with respect to the tone, choice of words etc. I read it at least thrice before hitting the send button.
And for some tricky email where I do not want to hurt the sentiments yet I have to convey with authority, I draft it and then go through it before sending it.
I have been criticised for taking time to send emails.
Kimm – Better safe than sorry. You are wise to take your time with challenging email responses.
Thanks for your comments.
Karen