Words can make or break an interaction. The way you present yourself, your company, and your ideas can either drive your success or hinder it. Welcome to the world of communication, where how you say it – can often be more important than what you are trying to say.
A promotion you got for working hard, a new job for posting excellent results, maybe a new business built on your skill set. All of these are great new opportunities, launching pads if you will, built on hard work and talent. If there’s something I’ve learned, it’s that talent and hard work can open a door – but Communication is a necessary value to keep doors open and opportunities flowing.
Here are a few practical ways that communication can help your business and leadership:
1. From Paper to Experience
It’s one thing to read a vision or a mission statement on paper – it’s another thing to see them fleshed out. Communicate your values into concrete words and actions. This will go a long way in winning over employees and clients who will see your value as more than just lofty words. Communication sells what words alone cannot.
2. Ask Great Questions
We are all learners. There’s nothing like asking a few questions to determine context and increase your understanding. Questions like “How did you get there” or “Why did you choose that” are great starters in determining the “why” (values) behind the “what” (method). Communication will help you learn and discover new ways to get better.
3. People Love Stories
It’s hard to argue with personal experience. Communicate what you are trying to say using personal experience and stories that validate your ideas. These stories often allow you to express what you have witnessed or felt – which is always more powerful than any concept or theory. Communication engages people, and allows you to communicate your story effectively.
Cheers,
Matthew Sanjari
CEO // PRIME Consulting
Marketing, Leadership and Business Consulting
goprime.ca