You are at the center of the world when it comes to being a competent communicator. In fact, I use a wagon wheel as a metaphor in my intensive Talk2Me© communication skills training. Imagine this: You are at the hub of the communication wheel, and out from you extend many spokes connecting you with those you work with and love. As the hub, when you speak accurately and precisely, your good vibes spin down the spokes to positively impact everyone you know. When you overreact negatively, well, the opposite happens, and good talks get stuck in a rut. Isn’t it a great response-ability to be at the center of the Talk Universe? You bet it is, so let’s hop on board the wagon train that’s headed out West!
WHAT SHOULD BE AT THE HUB OF GOOD COMMUNICATION?
What should be at the hub of good communication? According to ten professional men and women – five Empathizer-type (E-type) and five Instigator-type (I-type) communicators – who were participants in a three-day, intensive Talk2Me training program…
1. Respect is spelled LISTEN.
2. A little effort is often all it takes for good relationship communication at home and at work.
3. Even though someone doesn’t respond to your idea, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. Don’t take the non-response to your idea personally.
4. Listen…Listen…Listen. Don’t make a snap judgment or premature decision before you hear the entire thought.
5. R-E-S-P-E-C-T = LISTEN.
6. Confidence and competence matter equally in trusting communication.
7. Don’t let perceptions get in the way of getting things done!
8. Trust and respect flow from the hub of internal communication…down the spokes to others in the company…and out to your external customers.
9. Go to meetings with an open mind and give each person around the Communicator Table time to ask questions or to respond to the new idea. And if someone doesn’t respond, don’t let it hurt your feelings or inhibit future presentations of your ideas. Don’t take it all to heart.
10. Be more understanding of both sides – Empathizer and Instigator – in order to forge an alliance and accommodate needs. Meet in the middle of the Communicator Table to collaboratively develop strategies which will result in improved results that astonish everyone.
11. Treat everybody the way you would like to be treated!
The two teams – E-type and I-type – included both men and women. Did you notice that some items were listed more than once, indicating that both communicator types agreed on those particular elements?
THE OPPORTUNITY WHEEL
Call it the Opportunity Wheel…the Communication Wheel…the Communicator Table. You’ve got to keep rolling along or your wheel will get stuck in a rut and remain there for a very long time! Then you can call it the “Good Grief!” Wheel, and it will keep rolling over you to flatten your hopes, dreams, or aspirations.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Help is now here with the Talk2Me© talk technology. Studying the T2M system just 4 minutes a day is all it takes. Example: When you know your talk type and how you’ve inappropriately labeled your opposite talk type, change happens fast and lasts in all of your Wild West communication adventures.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T EQUALS LISTEN…PULL THE WAGON IN THE SAME DIRECTION
On behalf of all of us, thank you, Aretha Franklin, for expressing that RESPECT is crucial to centering communication instead of deflecting it into a ditch. Why ditch good communication via distracting arguments or by giving the silent treatment? Be wary and aware: you generate your own stunning insights about how to fix a broken wagon wheel, so you can pull your wagon through difficult mountain passes…and with the help of your friends and team, you’ll be on your way to California for the 1800’s gold rush, without getting scalped or frozen in the winter of zero-degree communication.
WHO IS “TALK DOC” DENNIS O’GRADY?
Dennis E. O’Grady, Psy.D., is a Dayton communications psychologist and relationship communications coach. Dennis wears two hats, one of corporate trainer in leadership communication skills and the other as a couple communications expert. The Talk2Me system bridges communications gaps and helps resolve family conflicts. Dr. O’Grady’s mission is to give you tools to use to improve the quality of your life. He is the author of Talk to Me: Communication Moves To Get Along With Anyone. www.drogrady.com.