better relationships

3 Communication Hacks for Better Workplace Communication

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.

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

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.

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.

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.  However, they can still struggle.  In coming articles I will outline this more.

Next let’s look at 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.  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.  Listening is crucial to your communication.  It allows you to understand where someone else is at; you gain understanding and clarity.  Also, if you are a good listener people automatically think you are an awesome communicator.

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.  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.  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 and your team work to the next level.

 

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.

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.

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.

3 Communication Hacks for Better Communication

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!

If Communication DNA is a new term for you, check this video out, it will explain it fully for you.  Please feel free to share with anyone you feel would benefit form this concept.

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.

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.

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.  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.

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, let’s 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.

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 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, or via Facebook and join the conversation so please do.

Until next time, Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator

Lets change the world we live in one conversation at a time.

Next Level Teamwork!

7:00 am

Learning how to deal with problems in Communication constructively.

Problem Solving in Communication is essential.  When we go off track, we get confused or emotions are high it is really important o get back on track as quickly as possible.

Problems or mistakes are a great learning opportunity and this is how they should be seen.  If you can create a culture where mistakes are seen this way you will have a much more willing team in terms of speaking up, problem solving and being creative.

So when something ahs gone wrong what do you do?

Identify the problem: It is important to ensure you work out the correct source of the problem, if not you may waste time and resources on the wrong issue

Define the problem: After the problem has been identified, it is important to fully define the problem so that it can be solved.

Develop a strategy: The next step is to develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach used will vary depending upon the situation and the individual’s unique preferences.

 Organise information: Before coming up with a solution, we need to first organise the available information. What do we know about the problem? What do we not know? The more information that is available, the better prepared we will be to come up with an accurate solution.

Allocate resources: Before you begin to solve a problem, you need to determine how high priority it is. If it is an important problem, it is probably worth allocating more resources to solving it. If it is a fairly unimportant problem, then you may not want to spend too much of your available resources into coming up with a solution.

 Monitor progress: Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies.

 Evaluate the results: After a solution has been reached, it is important to evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem.

A team that does this is so far ahead of the game.  Not only do they have a culture of people that are confident to have a go, not afraid of mistakes and willing to share and learn from each other.  It is such a great way to work.

As a business person there is nothing worse than there being an issue and no one is brave enough to speak up for fear of ridicule and judgment.  If you would like to learn how to add problem solving to your tool box for better communication why not get some coaching to learn how to based on your own unique Communication style or DNA?

If you would like to learn about Communication DNA and how it can change your workplace for the better, then check this out.

If you would like a obligation free chat to discuss how we may be able to support you on your journey to deal with difficult people then contact Kylie Warry on 1300 707 481 for more information or get in touch.

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

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

Stop wasting money!! 5 tips on better workplace communication

7:00 am

Workplaces are complex!  They are filled with Humans, now can they not be?

We are at work for one things and one thing only – to be productive.  Poor communication causes really low productivity.  Why? Think back to a time you have struggled in a workplace filled with really poor communication.  You would have struggled through long boring meetings, had many pointless conversations.  Struggled to find answers, not had relevant or helpful feedback from leadership and dealt with tension between colleagues.

All of this results in really poor productivity.  The worse it gets, the more the frustration grows and the less and less you produce.  Poor communication can cost up to 32% in profit.  So for a business turning over $500,000, that’s a significant $160,000!  Down the drain, but it does not have to be this way.

Here are my tops tips on better workplace communication

# 1: Knowing your intention before you communicate

Intention means purpose, know what you want before you open your mouth. Is it to encourage? To give constructive feedback, to apologise?  What is your intention?

 # 2: Look for common ground within teams and workplace relationships

People feel more connected when there is common ground, in this way we are all the same.  If you are not sure what you have in common ask questions and then let them answer.  Be an awesome listener and before you know it you will be building trust and community

# 3: Stop misinterpretation in its tracks

Creating a workplace culture where team members seek to both deliver instructions clearly and unambiguously, and where others feel free to ask questions to clarify, means communication can be corrected before the wrong instructions are carried out.

This also means that misinterpretations can be dealt with easily and early before they grow, cause tension and then conflict.

 # 4: Understand your Communication DNA

Each of us has different styles of communication, this is what I call your Communication DNA.  To learn more about this click here

 In order understand others you must first understand yourself, what makes you tick, why you do what you do.

# 5: Not knowing your own communication style and strength

Each of us has our own unique style and strength as a Communicator.  You may be direct, a natural decision maker, or perhaps you are charming and influencing, perhaps you are a natural listener or maybe you love details and understanding why?

Understanding yourself means you will be really clear on what makes you tick, then you are able to understand what makes other tick.

From here it is possible to create a communication centered workplace culture that will have productivity soaring and engagement at it maximum.  If you would like to know how to create this type of culture then get in touch send us an email here.  Don’t put it off, you deserve to experience better communication.

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

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

3 tips for Better Communication

7:00 am

If I could tell you 3 things you can begin to do right now that will turn you into an awesome communicator would you be interested?  Seriously, back away from your smart phone and listen up, this will revolutionize your relationships.

These tips are so simple you may look at the and go, “no way, that’s too simple”.  But I promise you, do this and it will literally change your relationships for the better.

#1 Talk less  – Yes! Shut up, stop your mouth from moving and trust me.

#2 Listen more  – your mouth has stopped now your ears need to work.  When you are not talking you are free to do something very powerful- Listen.  You will be amazed at what you learn about the person you are communicating with

#3 Stop Judging – turn off the judgmental radar we are all blessed with and leave it off.  Judgment is when you think you need to tell someone they made a mistake, or how to improve, or why they need to be better.  NO!  This separates you from who you are communicating with.

Now this sounds too simple doesn’t it, but please trust me and have a go.  This will revolutionise your relationships, prove me wrong, I dare you 🙂

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

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

Your checklist for better parenting

7:00 am

If you are a parent you already know how difficult it is.  You can [put so much pressure on yourself to be a perfect parent.  However, this is an impossible expectations so lets trash that concept right now and introduce a new one…

Being a Progressive parent.  This means learning form your mistakes, being kind to yourself and understanding that even with the best intentions things can still go really pear shaped.

Here are a few thoughts to help you become the best parent you can be;

  • Knowing your intention before you communicate

Intention means purpose, know what you want before you open your mouth. Is it to encourage? To apologise?  To clarify? What is your intention?  If you don’t know how on earth will your child?

  • Give the benefit of the doubt

Kindness is necessary, after all we are all Human, we make mistakes.  Give your child the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe they didn’t do their homework or have been caught in a lie.  It doesn’t mean they are a bad person or that they don’t love you.  Perhaps they have a lot on their plate at the moment; maybe they are struggling with something.  They need understanding not a lecture.

  • Stop misinterpretation in its tracks

Creating a safe place to be yourself is necessary in your relationships with your kids.  You’re a living breathing example to your kids.  So teach them how to clarify communication.  Check in regularly with them.  If you are confused by your child’s behavior ask questions, clarify, please do not assume!

  • Understand your Communication DNA

Each of us has different styles of communication, this is what I call your Communication DNA. Learn more about this here

In order understand others you must first understand yourself, what makes you tick, why you do what you do.  Then the next step is to understand your child as a Communicator too.  Your children are their own people so they may be very different to you.  One of the most powerful gifts we can give our child is complete acceptance of who they are and what makes them unique.

  • Not knowing your own communication style and strength

Each of us has our own unique style and strength as a Communicator.  You may be direct, a natural decision maker, or perhaps you are charming and influencing, perhaps you are a natural listener or maybe you love details and understanding why?

Understanding yourself means you will be really clear on what makes you tick, then you are able to understand what makes other tick.

From here it is possible to create a communication centered home and family that will flourish.  If you would like to know how to create this type of culture in your home then get in touch.  Don’t put it off, you deserve to experience better communication with your children.

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

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

5 Tips to Improve Your Marriage – stop the insanity!

7:00 am

Relationships are complex!  They are filled with Humans, now can they not be?marriage

We get married to spend the rest of our lives in wedded bliss.  What happens when you look up 2 years later and the person you are married to has morphed into someone who drives you nuts?

The rate of divorce in Australia is close to 50%, but no one stands at the altar and says “I do,” thinking soon they will decide “Oops – no I don’t!”  It does not have to be this way.

Here are my tops tips on better communication in your marriage

# 1: Knowing your intention before you communicate

Intention means purpose, know what you want before you open your mouth. Is it to encourage? To apologise?  To clarify? What is your intention?

 # 2: Give the benefit of the doubt

Kindness is necessary, after all we are all Human, we make mistakes.  Give your partner the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe they forgot the anniversary of the first time you got take away together.  It doesn’t mean they don’t love you.  Perhaps they have a lot on their plate at the moment.  They need understanding not a lecture or a sulking spouse.

# 3: Stop misinterpretation in its tracks

Creating a safe place to be yourself is necessary in your marriage.  You got married because you felt this person truly understood you.  So don’t stop now!  If you are confused by your partners behavior ask questions, clarify, please do not assume!

# 4: Understand your Communication DNA

Each of us has different styles of communication, this is what I call your Communication DNA.  To learn more about this here

In order understand others you must first understand yourself, what makes you tick, why you do what you do.  Then the next step is to understand your spouse as a Communicator too.  You usually find that you marry your opposite.  This leads to wonderful complimentary traits but can drive you crazy when you don’t understand this.

# 5: Not knowing your own communication style and strength

Each of us has our own unique style and strength as a Communicator.  You may be direct, a natural decision maker, or perhaps you are charming and influencing, perhaps you are a natural listener or maybe you love details and understanding why?

Understanding yourself means you will be really clear on what makes you tick, then you are able to understand what makes other tick.

From here it is possible to create a communication centered marriage that will have love and intimacy soaring and happiness abounding.  If you would like to know how to create this type of marriage then get in touch here.  Don’t put it off, you deserve to experience better communication.

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

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

The Checklist – How to get what you want

7:00 am

getwhatHave you ever wished you could just get what you want?  Are you sick of being everything to everyone else?  Of being totally spent because you are there for everyone else?

The key to getting what you want is to understand you communication DNA and to be able to understand how you differ from the person you are dealing or communicating with.  If this is a new concept then click here.

Here is my checklist to “get what you want!

What do you want?

Before you get what you want you need to know what it is you want?  How can you get it of you don’t know?  Is it to be heard and valued at work, or for your partner to hear your concerns, perhaps it’s to have your ideas listened to, maybe its to have a difficult conversation and get a good result?

This is critical and it is really important to get to the foundation of what you want.  Is it to be heard and understood, is it to share your concerns, is it to clear the air, what is it?

Who do you want it from?

The best way to get what you want is to ensure that first of all you know what it is you want and who you want it from.  Is it a boss? a teammate? your business partner? your partner at home? a friend? a client?  Who is it?

Get in their shoes

Then you need to get into their shoes; yes the best way to get what you want is to understand what they want first!  Sounds weird huh?  But if you know what you want, and what they want you can create a win-win for you both!

This is the best way to get what you want and it does not involve any shady tricks, underhanded tactics or manipulation.

The best way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.  Then it is a great outcome for everyone concerned.

If you would like to know more about how to get what you want, about your Communication DNA or have another question about how to take your Communication to the next level – don’t be shy, get in contact.  You can email us here.

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 Say Sorry When You Have Stuffed Up

7:00 am

Ok, so you’ve stuffed up, you’ve really done it this time and you need to apologise.  It is so critical to know how to apologise well, because a bad apology will only magnify the damage.

Anyone ever receive a bad or empty apology?  I am sure you can remember exactly how it went down like it was yesterday.  I can think of one just a couple of weeks back.  I raised an issue with a service provider and their response was “I’m sorry you feel this way.”   That was it!

Man I was angry, I felt completely dismissed.  It only added fuel to the fire.  To avoid this scenario it is important to know your communication style (or DNA) so you know what works best for you.  If this is a new concept for you; you can learn about Communication DNA here.

If you are more of a task person it can be easy to miss the relational side to an apology that is critical.  People need to feel heard.  For example, this awful apology I received was from a task-focused person.  What they needed to do to improve it is add some people factor

“I’m sorry you feel this way.  Tell me how you feel and what I can do to improve things”

 If you are more of a people focused person you may need to be careful of missing the point of the apology and blabbing on too much, for example you could say

“I’m so sorry this happened, I didn’t mean it blah blah blah”……. (2 hours later). You need to ensure you don’t make it all about the feelings and get some facts on what went wrong so you can sort it out.  For example

“ I’m so sorry this happened, tell me what we can do to improve your experience”

The next thing is to ensure you apologise as soon as possible.  Yes, you need to be prepared ad know what it is you are apologizing for, but don’t take too long.  The person you offended is hurting, confused and needs to hear from you.  Don’t let a spirit of resentment grow.

Finally to ensure your apology lands where you want it to and has maximum impact you need to mean it.  Really, you need to really be sorry.  You can all smell a fake miles away so don’t be fake.

If you have a story or experience to share, please do!  If you have a question then please get in touch.  Keep your eyes open for an opportunity to learn your Communication DNA through our upcoming online course.  We are so excited to share this with you!

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

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

Are You Living with a Procrastinator?

7:00 am

The Patient, steady gentle style is one that is warm, welcoming, all about relationship and somewhat more reserved than the inspiring or dominant styles.  These guys are all about consistency, predictability and people.  There is no doubt you would have someone with this style in your life, as this is the most common communication style.

This style is often described as the glue that holds us all together. They are steady consistent, caring and loyal.

This style craves predictability, they love processes if someone else sets them up, they will follow the right leader to the very end, and they are committed to their cause.  They will work quietly without the bells and whistles to get the job done.

One of the largest problems people have with the Patient Communicator is their ability to procrastinate.  They can make it an art form.

They avoid problems and tension through procrastination, in fact it can be a control tactic.  They will not cause and uproar and are not likely to speak out against things.  These guys will avoid conflict like the plague, are slower to speak up and want everyone to get along.

To get the most out of a procrastinator you need to understand them.  You can learn morehere.  The harder you push them into action, the more they will ignore you.  They have a backbone of steel!  How do I know this?  I am surrounded by this wonderful communication style.

When this style is understood they are loyal; they promote calm and stability and will work tirelessly for a cause.  When misunderstood they can seem quiet, uninvolved, avoidant and passive aggressive.

Change is a really big issue for these guys, they crave consistency even if it is destructive.  They are quite like the ostrich putting their head in the sand thinking the issue will just go away.  As you may imagine if you are facing an issue and trying to work through with this style, it can be extremely difficult.  The harder you push the more they shut down too.

However, as it is with all of the styles each of us brings our own unique strengths to the table.  The steady and gentle style brings about much needed calm and consistency, without them it would feel like utter madness.

If you are living with a Patient communicator and are struggling, checkout our resources page or contact us with your specific questions.  For support to learn more about your style and how to get the most out of your relationships

If you are struggling or have questions please get in touch.

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

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