Picture this. A mama and her two-year old playfully interacting about the pronunciation of “horses.” Is it “horses” or “horseys”? Mama says “horseys,” and little one lovingly corrects her with “horses.” At one point, he takes her face in his little hands and says, “No, mama, look at me. It’s horses.” Can you visualize the scene and hear the conversation?
We may have had similar experiences with family members or colleagues who appear disinterested or distracted. We desire that the person or group pays attention to what is being communicated to ensure there is no confusion.
What are some practical tips that could ensure you are being heard and understood?
* Build the relationship! This is critical. The person may be going through a difficult season that may require attention and is cause for distraction.
* Ask as many questions as necessary to ensure clarity and understanding. For example, “What I hear you saying is … Is that correct?”
* Ask the other person to repeat what was said. This helps the speaker and the listener confirm each person understands the message.
* Practice no phone meetings, whether in person or virtual. If a person is expecting an important call, someone outside the door can watch their phone for the caller. For this one, you may think the suggestion is extreme. Consider the benefit. It encourages focused attention. It prevents people from disengaging with the person or team. It shows respect for the leader and others in the meeting.
Connections Challenge: Did any of the suggestions spark an idea for communication? Experiment with the ideas or others that come to mind to see what works best.
Connections2Excellence 