So often we see the personalities surface (the ego). Many organizations have taken considerable effort to identify the various personalities in hopes of creating a corporate culture that understands how to communicate with one another. However, with some training programs what ends up happening is labelling and marginalizing with "What colour are you?" Or "I am this series of letters". In the end it creates separation, and very few participants remember the character traits the exercise was meant to uncover. The communication status quo returns.
If communication, or lack there of, is a challenge for you or you then you first must understand that nothing outside of you is to blame. You and only you have the power to change your experience.
Here are the 5 Principles Of CLEAR Communication that can help you get there.
1) C - Choices: We live in a free will universe. You have the choice to have a positive or negative experience in any moment. You can choose to be the antagonist or the protagonist in every dialogue. You can choose to focus on the solution rather than the problem. When we engage another it is vital to be conscious of your feelings and how much ego you are allowing to impact your expression. Your ego is not going to like some of the choices you make and it will make damn sure you revisit your old limiting communication patterns. You are the guard at the gate to choose what thoughts get through so choose wisely.
2) L - Listening: The old adage; we have two ears and one mouth so we should be listening twice as much is so true! Listening is the most important participation activity you can do for yourself. The lack of listening is the primary reason for communication breakdowns. Do you wonder why people argue? Do you feel nagged? The reason people feel angry is because they feel they are not being heard. I'll say it again. Conflict, arguments, nagging and frustration are all the fruits of the Not Being Heard Tree. Too often, the ego will not allow the words to get past the internal filter of the "ME". How often have you sat there and half listened to someone, but were more focused on your own wants, needs and rebuttal? It happens all the time. However, you are not fooling any one. You know how it feels when you are not being heard and you know how it feels when you are truly being consciously listened to. It is a day and night experience. It happens so rarely that people are automatically drawn to a conscious listener, because of how that person made them feel.
To be a conscious listener is very simple to do, but it is not always easy if your ego is in the way. Prior to a conversation you know is coming, plan ahead and make the choice to be a conscious listener before hand. Show Up with an open body expression. Smile! Allow for the person to express, but really listen to the message. Draw out the key points with enthusiasm. "Wow" really? Tell me more about that!" "How did that make you feel?" "If you were me how would you have handled that?" Open ended questions that get them talking more makes people feel special. Open ended questions also indicate that you are listening intently, that you are truly interested. Careful though, this is a very powerful tool, be in your truth and do not fake this technique. Your character and integrity depend on it.
3) E - Expression: You have all heard that your first impression of someone is made within the first 30 seconds of meeting them. Some would say 80% is made before they even speak. So since our words make up so little of that impression, we have but a small window to make what we say count. How you express yourself when the moment arrises will either make or break their original assessment. Ask a friend or family member the truth. Ask them to give you your true impression of how others view your communication style. If they are being completely honest and your ego can handle the truth, you have a basis on where you can improve. People are drawn to people who are witty, happy and insightful. Ask yourself, what is the "take away" you want someone to have of you? Do you smile when you talk? If you are a Debbie Downer or a Sadsack Sam chances are you struggle with keeping people engaged. A good rule of thumb is to crank up your expression by one notch of enthusiasm. We typically play it too safe with our natural expression. We don't want to offend or be labelled obnoxious. That's not what I mean. Just one notch up on the enthusiasm scale will create a natural expression that is inviting and intriguing.
4) A - Accountability: Be accountable for everything you say. Nothing should come from your mouth that you wish you could retract, or delete. Words are powerful and can create great joy, bliss and respect. However, they can also cause great pain and suffering. Your word is your honour. Trust is formed by your words that spur your actions,that become your deeds. Be the person that says what the mean and means what they say. Know that there are repercussions that go on long after what you said, be it positive or negative. When you are consciously accountable for your words, you begin to choose them very carefully. Accountability is also a key part of conscious listening.
5) R - Relationships: Everything we do when it comes to communication comes down to our desire to build relationships; business relationships, romantic relationships, family relationships and friendship relationships. We all want to feel connected, and yes loved by others. Our communication outcomes are all targeted toward building a solid foundation for a relationship with another. "Relationships" brings up the rear on our list in CLEAR Communication, but not because it is valued any less. Hardly, in fact "Relationships" is the sum total of all the other principles discussed here. Our rapport building abilities come from the skill we exercise in: 1.The Choices we make. 2. How we Listen. 3.How we Express and 4. How Accountable we are when we do express. Relationships result when people feel good about being with you. What can you teach? What can you share? What can you express that will positively move you forward?
Your ability to implement the 5 Principles of CLEAR Communication will have a profound impact on how you Show Up in both your personal and professional life.
Show Up for your life and Life will Show Up for you!
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