Ever feel like you're shouting into the void? Trust me, I've been there.
Picture this: you’re in a packed room, spilling your genius ideas like there’s no tomorrow. You’re on fire, right? But when you look around, all you see are confused faces and glazed-over eyes. Ouch. Welcome to the communication conundrum that plagues even the most seasoned leaders.
Let’s talk about a communication secret that too many of us forget:
Communication is not about what’s being said, it’s about what’s being heard
Let me share a hilarious tweet that’ll drive this point home:
“No, Uncle Tim, you did not just booty call me, you butt dialed me. And yes, there’s a HUGE difference…TRUST ME!”
It makes you laugh and cringe at the same time. But here’s the thing – poor Uncle Tim probably had no clue what he’d done. It’s a perfect example of how our words can take on a life of their own once they leave our mouths (or thumbs, in this case). What we intend to communicate and what others hear can be worlds apart.
So, how do we avoid pulling an “Uncle Tim” in our leadership roles?
1. Common Language: Let’s talk about creating a shared language with your team. It’s like having your own secret code, but way more useful. When my team and I dived into “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown, suddenly we were way more aligned on our priorities. We were able to reference the book to challenge each other on what’s most important, because we were speaking the same language. When we are reading (or listening to) the same thing at the same time, we are able to put new words to current challenges and problems that help us better move forward together.
2. Empathetic Listening: Expert communication isn’t about having the fanciest words or the slickest arguments. Nope, it starts with listening – empathetic listening. You’ve got to put yourself in your audience’s shoes. Are you talking to a bunch of die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fans? Maybe leave out those Florida Gators references. It takes some humility and a willingness to park your own ideas (and football allegiances) at the door for a bit.
Remember, if you want to communicate in a way that is received by others, work to create a common language, practice some empathetic listening, and always think about who we’re talking to. And maybe double-check those texts before you send them, okay?
