Isn't
it fascinating to see how differently one event can be viewed?
Most of us assume that we are all experiencing the same reality
and are somewhat surprised to discover that this in not at all
the case.
Become
aware of your own preference and the preferences of the other
people in your world, that is, your spouse, children, friends,
boss, staff, associates, etc. and you will become an effective
communicator. You will avoid much unnecessary misunderstandings
and missed-opportunities and get your needs met while satisfying
the needs of others with less effort.
Communication
affects every personal and business relationship. Just think of
how beneficial this can be. Enrich your relationship with loved
ones, enhance cooperation with staff and associates, make more
sales; the applications are endless!
Now,
take a look at the following tool below. Find yourself, your spouse,
your associates and prospective customers and then consider how
you present your thoughts to them. Chances are, most of the time,
you've approached these individuals through your own style, not
theirs.
If your natural preference is to work with a "step-by-step
approach" but your boss is one who appreciates "the
big picture" well, regardless of how impressed you are with
the order and thoroughness of your research, s/he may not hear
you, become distracted and/or see you as a proverbial "stick
in the mud" totally out of step with the grand vision of
how the business will look tomorrow. On the other hand, if you
are a "feeler" and your customer appreciates a "bottom-line
facts" approach, expressing how the employees will feel more
respected and motivated by your proposed strategy will come off
as unrealistic and unimportant. In fact, you may be viewed as
a"touchy-feely type" who's clueless as to what is important
to the operations of a business.
I
am not suggesting that we be less than authentic. We can still
be ourselves while we consider the communication styles of others.
That isn't inauthentic, it is essential.
What's
key to get here is that there is no single "right" or
"correct" way of viewing the world - simply different.
When you embrace the uniqueness of others, effective communication
has already begun.
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Many
of my coaching practice members who are sales professionals
have reported that they have made sales that they
believe would not have happened had it not been
for this simple, one page awareness tool.
Before
your next interaction with the key players in your
life, take their styles into consideration and see
what happens. I bet you'll be glad you did.
Illustrations
Source: Ned Herrmann, The Ned Herrmann Group
