In a recent workshop, one participant asked a series of questions about how broad the application of the content we were teaching in the course actually was. I answered in a very “Latimer way,” by saying that our model applies to all forms of workplace communication: meetings, conference calls, presentations, email exchanges, etc.
As I explained further, the entire group leaned into the discussion, and it led to a great exchange on why this was true. And as we worked out the reasons why, we landed with a list of truths about workplace communication that looked like this:
- It is always a good thing to listen to the people around you.
- It is always a good thing to think through what your audience cares about, try to anticipate their perspective, and adjust as you learn new things.
- It is always a good thing to show up prepared and know what you want to say (or write).
- It is always a good thing to be ready to express yourself in an effective way, spoken or written.
- It is always important to balance what you want with what your audience might want (or need).
You get the idea. Whether we are talking about internal or external communication, formal or informal, in-person or virtual, up the org chart or down… regardless, everything on the above list is always true.
After the workshop, I got an email from the same participant. And he shared that he had been staring at his notes, and realized that everything we had discussed not only applies to all forms of workplace communication, and not only will make him a better contributor, colleague, manager, or executive. Everything we had discussed will also make him a better friend, sibling, parent, and spouse. And then I added, “while we are at it, let’s also add ‘neighbor’ and ‘citizen’ to the list.“
The things that will make us a better communicator in the workplace will also help us be better in all aspects of our lives.
While my colleagues and I will always keep a primary focus on how we can help you be better in the workplace, every once in a while, it is healthy to step back, broaden the perspective, and realize how universal these principles actually are.
Have a great day.
—
Does your team:
– Overwhelm the audience with too much detail?
– Make things too complicated?
– Fail to ask for what they want or need?
Does your organization:
– Waste time because of poor internal communication?
– Take too long to make decisions?
– Struggle to clarify and frame discussions?
Do your leaders:
– Exhibit poor executive presence?
– Lean on incomplete communication skills?
– Fail to align the organization?
We transform teams and individuals with repeatable toolsets for persuasive communication. Explore training, coaching, and consulting services from The Latimer Group.
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