authentic communication

Are you struggling with a Perfectionist?

4:23 pm

Are you a perfectionist, or do you know one? In terms of the Communication Styles, the ‘Perfectionist’ style is the one who is most likely to struggle with this trait. If you live with, work with or love a perfectionist, you may be relating already.  This is a trait that I have struggled with for many years so I feel very comfortable sharing here.

 

Let me refresh your memory, the Perfectionist Communicator is all about procedures, processes and perfection.  They love detail and also want to be right.  These Communicators will correct grammar, spelling mistakes or your facts in conversation.

 

This style loves compliance. By compliance we mean working to a system or order, not compliant.  Particularly to your own system or order however this style will work to someone else’s system or process if they agree with it, or if they see it as correct.

 

This communication style is all about getting things right, EXACTLY Right.  If you know someone with this style they are more reserved and task focused.  They are great at details, probably love stationary (known from personal experience) and are highly organised in many ways.

 

What can make a Perfectionist Communicator Difficult?  Their need for perfection is a real struggle, why?  Because outside of very isolated incidences perfection just does not exist, especially if you are Human…..  So you will never reach the expectations of perfection.  How relaxing.  This Communicator can also get caught up in detail which can lead to procrastination as things cannot be finished until it is perfect.  Which it will never be…..

 

These guys are fearful of their work being criticised, how could they not be when perfection is their benchmark?  However, beware of criticising their work as they put a lot of effort into it being right.  It hurts them intensely if they are corrected, especially if it is not done gently.

 

If you are working with someone with this style they will love details, if you challenge their facts you will need to provide statistical backup because they do know their stuff.  I know one Perfectionist Communicator who reads the Australian Taxation website for fun (I have a headache just thinking about that).  They prefer a quiet and consistent work environment where any changes are explained, where they can be some type of technical or information expert.

 

So perfectionism is a big deal to these guys. REALLY. I know this because this is my second strongest trait and in testing I scored 87%.  This has long been held as a negative trait however; it can depend on your definition. In the negative it can stifle progress because you are expecting something unrealistic.  It can cause paralysis and anxiety beyond description.  It can mess with expectations both in there workplace and at home.

 

So how can we view this positively?  

 

The Greek definition is “a continual journey toward maturity.”   Now this is not how I have used it, or how I would described myself when I am perplexed because something won’t look or fit the way I want it too.   However, I would be a better human if this were my definition.

 

So to any one else out there who is brave enough to say that you have struggled with perfectionism either in yourself or expecting it form other lets change how we see it.  We can all benefit from this definition of a continual journey toward maturity – I say bring it on!

 

So if you are struggling for outcomes with one of these communicators here are some tips;

 

To help them deal with perfection the key is gentle support, they do not respond to harsh, blunt or pushy communication.  Hey work really well with big picture thinkers so that their detailed mind can compensate well with the big vision.  Support to keep their expectations realistic is always helpful as well as encouragement and praise for their strengths as they may get stuck on what is not working.

 

The most important thing for these guys is to be supported, for their expertise to be noted and acknowledged to have a diplomatic and reserved response.  They are not touchy feely like the Playful and Patient Communicator.  So keep it more business like.

 

Do not keep avoiding an issue if you have one; that is not the answer.  The first step may be to understand yourself a little more and to do that you can uncover your Communication strengths, style and struggles with our online course.  It costs as much a takeaway pizza, so it is well worth it!  You can find out more  here.

 

Until next time, Connect, Care and be a Conscious Communicator.

Let’s change our world for the better, one conversation at a time.

Struggling with a “my way or the highway” kinda person?

4:05 pm

Have you ever had to work with a strong willed, highly opinionated Powerful Communicator? Someone who is so overpowering they just push everyone else aside?  If you have ever worked with this style you would know it!  They don’t mean to be like they are – to them it is normal.

Based on my Communication DNA model these are what I call the Powerful Communicators. What is it that makes a Powerful Communicator Difficult?

It is their strength, drive, frank communication style, confrontational presence that can make them tricky for those different to them.  Additionally, when two of this style come together there can also be an almighty power struggle as they both fight for control.

 

Powerful Communicators usually end up in positions of leadership, management and decision-making. Why? Because they love control!  They are also natural decision makers and get frustrated when someone struggles or takes time with this.  This does not necessarily make them great at leadership however. It takes a very self-aware person to be an awesome leader.  I believe that any DNA style can make a great leader if they understand themselves and are willing to bring out the best in others.

If you are struggling with someone who loves control, loves to take over and have the final word they are likely ‘The Powerful’ style who loves problems and challenges, craves results, is very black and white and can come across as confrontational and even aggressive. Such people can be highly opinionated to the point where the only opinion that can exist in conversation with them is theirs!!

 

Powerful Communicators are very good at saying “No.” What this means for everyone else is that unless you stand up to them you will get mown down.  It can be very much like “ It’s their way or the highway.”

They know what they want and they go for it. They are driven by results and often mow people over to get to the result.  Such a strong Communicator has absolutely no issue with boundaries and looking after their own interests. Most of them don’t even realise how much they can come across as blunt or like a bully at times. They honestly think every one else finds it just as easy to say “No,” when needed.

However, here is where it gets interesting, because they are such strong Communicators and can be so confrontational mostly people don’t actually say “No” to them! So they get this false sense of reality; thinking there are no issues. They go on their merry way, leaving this wake of people with bruises.

Now I spend much of my training and coaching time helping people become assertive so they can effectively deal with a Strong willed, say it like it is, “Powerful Communicator.” You may be having a stroke right now at the thought of dealing with someone so assertive and direct.

The key is to communicate with them in their way, be direct! The amazing thing is, it works! Powerful and Strong Communicators need to be communicated with in a strong and direct way. They get it and even more importantly they respect it. The trouble comes when people avoid them and are not direct with them.

Best of all they don’t see it as confrontation, I promise. Just have a go, remember don’t be rude, stick to the facts, use I messages, be assertive and you will get through to that Powerful Communicator.

So if you are struggling for airtime with one of these communicators the key is to get direct, use fewer words, stand your ground by being assertive and ensure you are heard.  If this is scary to you, reach out because there is support.

Do not keep avoiding the problem; that is not the answer.  The first step may be to understand yourself a little more and to do that you can uncover your Communication strengths, style and struggles with our online course.  It costs as much a takeaway pizza, so it is well worth it!  You can find out more here.

 

Until next time Care, Connect and be a Courageous Communicator.

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

Are you dealing with a chatterbox?

4:11 pm

Have you ever had to deal with a Chatterbox?  Someone who loves to talk, tell stories and uses many more words than necessary?  They are lovely but if you are short on time, or impatient it can be tricky.  Their catch cry is, “look at me, like me, appreciate me!”

Last time we spoke about Powerful Communicators, today we will talk about Playful communicators. The Playful communicator is one that is warm, fun and engaging.  These guys are all about relationship and having fun.  If you know someone with this style they can range from warm and friendly to zany and the life of the party.

What makes a Playful Communicator Difficult?  It can be their zany, crazy, chaotic, fun loving energy that may drive some people mad.

This style does not care so much for organisation, rules, processes, work – it is simply not colourful or fun enough.  As you can imagine, if you work with this style and don’t understand them, you could be having some frustrations.  These guys are very good at motivating and energising people to do the work, not necessarily doing the work themselves. They can be easily distracted by something that is bright and shiny!

 

I am surrounded by the Playful style; I think it is because I am so driven and full of order and work that I need help to lighten up.  My husband is Playful and he will often grab me when I am in the middle of working just to tell me a joke or get me to watch a silly cartoon.  He brings so much laughter into my life.  I do remember noticing initially that ‘I’ could see this interruption as inconvenient.  Especially when I was in the middle of something I needed to finish or achieve.  Then I realised that I was prioritising my work, my achievement over a beautiful connection with my husband, so I changed my focus.  I saw him in all of his beautiful fun loving nature and I connected with him.  Oh what a good decision!

When this style is understood they make such great friends and teammates, when misunderstood they can seem selfish and self-centred.  Like all of the styles we need to understand the differences and work on how we can best unite to bring out the best in all of us.  We all bring something special and unique to the work and home environment.

So if you are struggling for airtime with one of these communicators here are some tips;

To keep them on track you need to speak up and be firmer with your boundaries.  You can say things like, “I’d love to hear this story but I need to be in a meeting now, so please tell me later”.  Or by making it sound like a friendly and fun game, “give it to me in 5 words or less.”  This is a great way if you know them really well.

The most important thing for these guys is to be noticed, to have a friendly response and for you to keep your tone warm and your face smiling.  Don’t be mean or speak down to them, this will hurt their feelings and will not aid a better connection.

 

Do not keep avoiding the issue if one exists; that is not the answer.  The first step may be to understand yourself a little more and to do that you can uncover your Communication strengths, style and struggles with our online course.  It costs as much a takeaway pizza, so it is well worth it!  You can find out more here.

 

Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Conscious Communicator.

Let’s change our world for the better one conversation at a time.

Your options when it comes to dealing with difficult people

7:00 am

Your options when it comes to dealing with difficult people are many.  You can avoid, procrastinate, blame, whine, cry, shake, gossip…. ( I am sure there is many more) or you can take a deep breath and do what needs to be done.

Kenny Rogers had it right.

“Know when to hold them, know when to fold them.  Know when to walk away and know when to run”.  If you are saying “Kenny who” I am showing my age.  I will be positive and say that this implies wisdom on my behalf!

Difficult people are all around us.  You cannot avoid them!  In fact, there is someone somewhere in the world that finds you difficult.  Weird huh?

The key to dealing with difficult people is be aware of how it affects you, to be aware of your own responses, to maintain emotional control and to ensure that you are working for the best outcome.  This is not about control or manipulation but about choice.  We all choose our behavior and also our responses.

In dealing with difficult people, there are times when the best thing to do is let it go (for example, if the person is unlikely to listen or change).  There are also times when it is best to speak up confidently and assertively (for example if someone at work is disrespecting you).  There are also times when you need to look after yourself because the person is unlikely to change (the overly needy friend who always takes and never gives).

I was dealing with a very aggressive person recently.  This person was known to Police and was involved in drugs.  This person did not want my assistance and made it very clear.  There were some legal reasons that I was asked to be involved to provide this person with their right to support.

Despite my best intentions this fellow would verbally threaten, yell abuse and generally disrespect me each time we met.  It was clear that after only a few encounters this person was not going to change and that my time and energy was best served by working with someone who did want my support.  This is what I mean when I say “pick your battles, look after yourself and realise that each of us are self responsible.”

So I made the decision to tell him that I would no longer be working with him.  I also told the referring party that I would no longer be seeing this gentleman as he was not invested in the process and it was a waste of everyone’s time and energy.

Sometimes you MUST stand up for yourself.

This can be a hard idea to swallow if you feel over responsible, if you have ever enabled someone in your life.  The bottom line is that each of us are accountable for our own outcomes.

Your difficult person may be telling you that if you don’t help them they won’t cope.  The truth is, the best gift you can give them is by believing in them, empowering them and allowing them to do things independently.

If you are struggling then we are here to help.  Dealing with a difficult person can be lonely, it can provoke feelings of anxiety and fear, but this is not how it has to stay.  You don’t need to struggle any more, you are not alone, some simple steps can make all the difference.  I’ve been where you are and I’m here to support you in making the changes you need to create the life and the relationships you have always wanted.

If you would like to stay connected why not join us on Facebook.  Here we share more resources, stories and encouragement to help you become the Communicator you would like to be.

We also have an online course that is specifically designed for this reason.   This course is designed to help you understand the needs of others and how to best deal with people in difficult situations and circumstances. Most often difficult people are just different from you. Learn what works and what doesn’t work for each of the different Communication DNA styles. Want to know more?

Until next time, care, connect and be a Courageous Communicator.

Let’s improve the world we live in one conversation at a time.

3 Communication Hacks to Take your Communication to the Next Level

7:00 am

Next level communication is all about knowing where you are at and improving an aspect of your communication.  You may be a great listener, and need to speak up.  Perhaps you are great at telling people what you need but need to be better at asking and bringing people alongside you.

All of us can benefit from better communication.  Right?  When was the last time you can remember feeling misunderstood in conversation?  If you are like me it used to feel like most days….

Poor Communication can costs business big time, up to 32% of profit.  It can ruin relationships. Understand the keys to better communication and you can unlock a hidden profit centre in your business.

Learning to understand yourself and then others as Communicators and you will be well one your way to improving your Communication and productivity.  It starts with understanidng your needs as a Communicator, or your Communication DNA

So, how can you understand your Communication DNA?  If Communication DNA is a new term for you, check out this video specifically about this concept, it will explain it fully for you.   If you are interested in taking the DNA test then get in contact with us.

 

In 2015 Forbes magazine released research that detailed how we can see leadership based on 3 basic communication skills.  These skills are how to Ask, Listen and Tell.

Leaders that have all 3 skills are seen by 88% of staff to be exceptional, whereas, Leaders with any one of these communication skills are seen by only 3% of staff as exceptional.

To become a Next Level Communicator you can master each of these skills.  Let’s take a closer look at these 3 skills.

Firstly the ability to Ask.  To ask is to communicate your needs and to clarify the needs of others.  Asking means you are not guessing but gaining clarity.  Basically it is speaking to gain more information.

To be a Next Level Communicator you need to stop assuming and simply ask.  Assumption is very dangerous and will quickly take you down a dangerous road.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural askers.  However, they can still struggle.  In coming articles I will outline this more.

Next let’s look at the skill of Listening.  This is such a crucial Next Level communication skill.

To listen is to stop speaking, be present and take in information both verbal and non-verbal that is coming from the person you are communicating with.  In communication Listening is a lost art form.  Particularly in our very fast paced and busy worlds.

Listening is a rare skill, many people speak rather than listening.  The best Communicators around the world are excellent listeners.  Listening is crucial to your communication.  It allows you to understand where someone else is at; you gain understanding and clarity.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural listeners.  However, they can still struggle.  In coming articles I will outline this more.

Finally, lets look at the skill of Telling.  To tell is to share your idea, share with people your needs, or direct people.  Many people do not feel comfortable to “tell” as they feel it is too direct and confrontational.  However, this is all in the delivery.

Many people fear telling as it is seen as confrontational.  The opposite is not telling and making people guess your needs.  This is as dangerous as assuming.

Next Level Communication requires you to be able to Tell when necessary.  When you can master Telling people your needs in a way that is seen as informative rather than confrontational you are well on the way to taking your Communication to the next level.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more outgoing styles of the Powerful and the Playful Communicators are more natural tellers.  However, they can still struggle.  In coming articles I will also outline this more.

These three skills are essential to you becoming a more confident Communicator and taking your communication to the next level.

 

If you would like to understand yourself as a Communicator and learn your strengths then perhaps you may like to read The Enlightened Communicator, available for you to review at your own pace.

If you would like to know more about how to learn what your Communication DNA we can work with you to assist you to understand exactly what it is that makes you tick.  We can also help you understand what makes others tick and how to get the best out of your relationships.  Interested? You can get more information here.

You can also get in touch via our website, and Facebook so please join the conversation, we would love to hear from you!

If you are part of a team that struggles with these skills then reach out and see how we can tailor a solution for your unique situation.

 

Until next time, Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

3 Communication Hacks in Your Workplace – The Checklist

7:00 am

All of us who hang out in workplaces would benefit from better communication.  Right?  When was the last time you can remember feeling misunderstood in conversation?  If you are like me it used to feel like most days….

Poor Communication can costs business big time, up to 32% of profit.  That is a lot of money down the drain.  Understand the keys to better communication and you can unlock a hidden profit centre in your business.

However, your workplace your business, will only benefit from your staff and team members learning to understand themselves and then others as Communicators and you will be well one your way to improving your Communication and productivity.

 

Here is your checklist to Better Workplace Communication!  It all starts with understanding self, your Communication DNA.  The you can begin to understand others…..

So, how can you understand your Communication DNA?  If Communication DNA is a new term for you, check out this video specifically about this concept, it will explain it fully for you.

If you are interested in taking the DNA test then get in contact with us.

 

In 2015 Forbes magazine released research that detailed how we can see leadership based on 3 basic communication skills.  These skills are how to Ask, Listen and Tell.

Leaders that have all 3 skills are seen by 88% of staff to be exceptional, whereas, Leaders with any one of these communication skills are seen by only 3% of staff as exceptional.

Here is your checklist to mastering these 3 communication hacks that will ensure you become a Master at Communication.

o Develop the ability to Ask.

To ask is to communicate your needs and to clarify the needs of others.  Asking means you are not guessing but gaining clarity.  Basically it is speaking to gain more information.

Many workplaces are filled with people that assume rather than ask.  Assumption is very dangerous and will quickly take you down a dangerous road.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural askers.

 

o Learn the skill of Listening

To listen is to stop speaking, be present and take in information both verbal and non-verbal that is coming from the person you are communicating with.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural listeners.

Listening is a rare skill, many people speak rather than listening.  Listening is crucial to your communication.  It allows you to understand where someone else is at; you gain understanding and clarity.

o Become great at Telling.

To tell is to share your idea, share with people your needs, or direct people.  Many people do not feel comfortable to “tell” as they feel it is too direct and confrontational.  However, this is all in the delivery.

Many people fear Telling as it is seen as confrontational.  The opposite is not telling and making people guess your needs.  This is as dangerous as assuming.  When you can master Telling people your needs in a way that is seen as informative rather than confrontational you are well on the way to becoming an exceptional communicator.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more outgoing styles of the Powerful and the Playful Communicators are more natural tellers.

These three skills are essential to you becoming a more confident Communicator and taking your communication to the next level.

 

If you would like to understand yourself as a Communicator and learn your strengths then perhaps you may like to read The Enlightened Communicator, available for you to review at your own pace.

If you would like to know more about how to learn what your Communication DNA we can work with you to assist you to understand exactly what it is that makes you tick.  We can also help you understand what makes others tick and how to get the best out of your relationships.  Interested? You can get more information here.

You can also get in touch via our website, and Facebook so please join the conversation, we would love to hear from you!

 

If you are part of a team that struggles with these skills then reach out and see how we can tailor a solution for your unique situation.

Until next time, Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

3 Communication Hacks – The Checklist

7:00 am

All of us would benefit from better communication.  Right?  When was the last time you can remember feeling misunderstood in conversation?  If you are like me it used to feel like most days….

However, learn to understand yourself and then others as Communicators and you will be well one your way to improving your Communication world!  here is your checklist to Better Communication!  It all starts with understanding self, your Communication DNA.

So, how can you understand your Communication DNA?  If Communication DNA is a new term for you, check out this video specifically about this concept, it will explain it fully for you.

If you are interested in taking the DNA test then get in contact with us.

 

In 2015 Forbes magazine released research that detailed how we can see leadership based on 3 basic communication skills.  These skills are how to Ask, Listen and Tell.

Leaders that have all 3 skills are seen by 88% of staff to be exceptional, whereas, Leaders with any one of these communication skills are seen by only 3% of staff as exceptional.

Here is your checklist to mastering these 3 communication hacks that will ensure you become a Master at Communication.

o Develop the ability to Ask. 

To ask is to communicate your needs and to clarify the needs of others.  Asking means you are not guessing but gaining clarity.  Basically it is speaking to gain more information.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural askers.

o Learn the skill of Listening

To listen is to stop speaking, be present and take in information both verbal and non-verbal that is coming from the person you are communicating with.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more reserved styles of the Perfectionist and the Patient Communicators are more natural listeners.

o Become great at Telling. 

To tell is to share your idea, share with people your needs, or direct people.  Many people do not feel comfortable to “tell” as they feel it is too direct and confrontational.  However, this is all in the delivery.

Each of the four communication styles copes with this skill differently.  The more outgoing styles of the Powerful and the Playful Communicators are more natural tellers.

These three skills are essential to you becoming a more confident Communicator and taking your communication to the next level.

 

If you would like to understand yourself as a Communicator and learn your strengths then perhaps you may like to read The Enlightened Communicator, available for you to review at your own pace.

If you would like to know more about how to learn what your Communication DNA we can work with you to assist you to understand exactly what it is that makes you tick.  We can also help you understand what makes others tick and how to get the best out of your relationships.  Interested? You can get more information here.

You can also get in touch via our website, and Facebook so please join the conversation, we would love to hear from you!

 

Until next time, Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

How To Use Your Strengths To Adapt Your Communication

7:00 am

So by now you may know your Communication DNA and even that of those people in your world that are important to you, or that you need to deal with.  You are ready for the next crucial step, being able to adapt your style to someone else’s Communication DNA.

Why you may ask?  It’s because great Communication is all about ensuring you are heard and understood.  Therefore you need to ensure that your message is received in the intended way by the receiver.

May people I have trained or coached over the years have initially had it confused thinking that what they need to say is all that matters.  “I’ll say what I need, and they will hear it.”  If that were true I’d be out of a career.

We all hear through our filters and we each have preferences for how we like to hear the messages given to us.

You need to know the needs of others so you can adapt your message appropriately.

So what are these needs?

The Powerful Communicator needs Results.  They like short sharp bullet points, Do not waffle and do not get too personal, they are task focused.  If you know them well then this may differ.

The Playful Communicator needs Recognition.  They like stories, a friendly message that is personal.  Don’t go straight into business.

The Patient Communicator needs Relationship, they like to feel understood and supported.  Do not force them to make a quick decision.  Do not force an answer, especially if there is no trust built yet.  They will say “Yes” to your face, but will not mean it.

The Perfectionist Communicator needs to be Right, they crave details and planning.  Do not go to them without the information and evidence for it.  Be neat and ordered.  Do not be too personal as they are reserved and appear standoffish.

Where you will likely struggle the most is when you are dealing with someone opposite to you; for example as a Powerful Communicator my largest challenge is adapting to meet the needs of the Patient Communicator my opposite DNA style.

I need to slow down, warm up my tone, be more personable, ask gentle question not just bark bullet points and force for my result.  I need to watch my body language, no hand son hips, but a more open gentle posture.  I need to ask questions, not tell (telling comes more naturally to me).

The opposite occurs if the Patient Communicator is speaking to me.  They need to be more direct, stay on point, don’t waffle, have strong eye contact, be confident.

The best way to adapt your style is to look at the needs of the Communicator you are dealing with and ensure you communicate in this way.  It is a matter of bridging the gap.  For example to you need to use more words, listen more, be friendly, be detailed.  This is critical while you are building trust and getting to know someone.  Once you are in a position of knowing and more understanding this is less of a requirement.

The it comes down to being aware and reading body language to ensure you are being understood, asking questions to clarify you are on the same page – this is just good communication practise.

For example, if you are a Powerful Communicator, you are naturally direct, decisive and confident.  You are the exact opposite of the Patient Communicator who is more quiet, appears less confident and seeks harmony.  The Patent Communicator may sacrifice their needs to avoid conflict.

To bridge this gap until you get to know each other the Powerful Communicator needs to be less direct, ask more questions, really listen, be friendly and gentle.  This will create an environment where the Patient Communicator will feel safer enough to open up and Communicate with you.

Having a difficult conversation, giving feedback, dealing with a strong or highly emotional issue, it is best to ensure you adapt to the needs of your listener.

If you would like some help with this process then get in touch.  You and your relationships are worth it, end the confusion now, you will not regret it.

We have coaching programs that can teach you all you need to know about your Communication DNA and how to take your Communication to the next level.

 

If Communication DNA is a new term for you, check out this video specifically about this concept, it will explain it fully for you.

If you are interested in taking the DNA test then get in contact with us.

For more information check out the article on Communication DNA

We have coaching programs that can teach you all you need to know about your Communication DNA and how to take your Communication to the next level.

You can also get in touch via our website, and Facebook so please join the conversation, we would love to hear from you!

 

Until next time, Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

Help! I’m a Perfectionist

7:00 am

Are you a Perfectionist?  Someone who loves details, who loves to be organised and to just get things right?  If that is you then please watch this video to see if you relate.  If this is someone you know then please watch to gain insight in to the inner workings of a Perfectionist Communicator.  Please share with anyone who you feel would benefit, sharing is caring.

How to deal with a negative culture that is harming your business

7:00 am

Congratulations you are in Business, well done, it takes courage and determination to step up and take on a Business.  If you are familiar with my work you will know that I am passionate about helping Business owners use their Communication strengths to succeed in business.

We have spoken many times about the cost of poor communication.  It shows up in many ways but the bottom line is it costs.  It has been shown in research to cost up to 32% of profit.  For a business making $500K pa, this is $160K, that’s not small change.

One of the issues can be a negative culture.  This is where your team are not on the same page, perhaps there is negativity and stress.  Perhaps there is relationship tension between the team (people not getting on), there may be gossip, backstabbing and tearing each other down.

I spoke with a team recently and the CEO was all about their culture “ we have your back”.  No matter what, as long as the team member was following the agreed process the rest of the team had their back.  So if mistakes were made, first thought, we have your back.  They were creating a culture of excellence and honesty where issues were raised quickly and respectfully.  This will create a very positive team culture.

The opposite of this is where no one takes responsibility, a team member may see a mistake being made and turn a blind eye “that’s not my job”.  Perhaps there is nitpicking and backstabbing.  Perhaps there are negative team members.  Perhaps management are not providing the leadership and support the team needs.

The bottom line is if a team is not performing the responsibility of addressing it lands on the Leader.  In most small businesses this is the owner.

It has got to start with us.  If our team is confused, struggling, poorly performing we need to ensure that the right environment for success has been provided.  We need to ensure that the team knows what is expected of them and are given the tools to do their job well.

Once this has been provided if people continue to underperform this needs to be addressed again.  If it is a skill issue then skill can be developed.  If it is an attitude issue then the team member may need to find a better fit for them.  Regardless something has to be done and it falls on the leader / owner of the business.

As Business owners we must take complete responsibility for whatever is happening in our business good bad or ugly.

As you can see, it starts with us as the Leader.  We are essential to our business running well and we need to understand the effect we have first on the business.  A great way to understand your strengths as a Leader is to understand what makes you tick, what do you bring to the table, what is your Communication DNA?

Once we understand this we can then begin to look deeper into understand your team in the same way.  For years I have been helping business understand their Communication DNA so they can see what makes each member of the team tick, what strengths they have, how they work best and how to bring out their strengths.

If you would like to know more you can learn more about Communication DNA here.

If you would like to learn what your Communication DNA is you can do so here

If you know you need more support to unravel what is happening in your business we offer Coaching and Training services as well as our very popular online Master Communication in Your Business.

We are here to resource you so that you can create the business of your dreams, kick those goals, create a highly productive team and future-proof your business.

Until next time Care, Connect and be a Courageous Communicator.

Lets grow your business one conversation at a time.