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Word of the Week – Conversation
20220613 Word of the Week – Conversation
Halfway through June and my Conversation skills are being tested daily.
As a leader it is crucial to speak clearly.
Let’s look at some tools and techniques you can use to have an important conversation with anyone.
Before going into the conversation, ask yourself some questions.
What is your purpose for having the conversation?
What do you hope to accomplish?
What would be an ideal outcome?
Whom are you talking to?
When are you going to talk to them?
Engage them in the conversation and ask for feedback.
Think of the person you need to have an important conversation with. Is he or she similar or different from you when it comes to how they communicate?
Is the person:
- Controlling
- Analyzing
- Supporting
- Promoting
These are all different communication styles. And, knowing your own style and the style of the person you’re talking to is important so that you can adjust your style to fit the situation.
You may want to avoid having the conversation if:
You’re not ready. You need more information or time to think about what you want to say.
The other person isn’t ready. If they’re not in the right frame of mind, it’s best to wait until they are.
You’re both too emotional. It’s important to be able to have a conversation without getting defensive or angry. If you’re feeling too emotionally charged, it’s best to wait until you’ve calmed down.
You’re not in the right place. If the environment isn’t conducive to a productive conversation, it’s best to wait until you can talk in a more private or relaxed setting.
The time isn’t right. If you try to have a conversation when the other person is rushed or doesn’t have time, it likely won’t be productive.
Scheduling a time to talk can help ensure that both parties are ready and willing to have a productive conversation.
Some final tips:
Listen more than you speak. You’ll learn more about what the other person is thinking and feeling, and they’ll be more likely to listen to you if you’ve listened to them.
Don’t interrupt. It shows that you are not listening.
Plan your conversation to the style that matches the person you are talking with and give them what they need to be in the conversation.
Do not over-analyze it. Get the momentum going.
Till next time
“Be Safe”
P.S Go ahead, have the conversation, find out just how prepared you really are? Take the free Disaster and Emergency Planning Assessment and learn the truth.
