Listening Skills

Listening is an overlooked communication skill. However, it is one of the most effective skills to utilize in the process of innovation. It is essential to listen to other board members as they craft innovative plans.

1. Don't Let The Words Distract You
Numerous studies show that less than half of what is communicated is through spoken words. Some studies give words even less weight on the communication scale. Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. conducted some of the most influential studies on the importance for the nonverbal components of communication. His landmark report rated 7% importance for words, 38% for tone and 55% for body language for their effectiveness. Whether you dispute or agree with his percentages, they illustrate that you miss a great deal of content if you listen to words alone.

HOW someone says something is far more important than WHAT they say. Listen for infections, signs and coughs. These are unconscious body signals that 'highlight' a statement. They tell you that what was just said was important. For example if someone says, "I love working on that project." and then coughs or sighs it is likely that there is a part of them that doesn't believe the statement. 


2. Oh, What A Difference A But Makes
Become a "but" watcher and you'll be dazzled at how much better your perception becomes. Pay attention to the word "but" in any sentence. It tells you, the listener, that everything said before the "but" might not be the truth. "I love my new position, but the hours drive me insane." The bigger truth in that sentence is that the speaker is drowning under their workload.

3. Don't Skip The End
Pay particular attention to what someone says at the end of a sentence. "I'd like to put together a presentation, except I don't know how." Often people make a preamble of what they think the listener would like you hear. Many save the most honest part of a statement for the end of a sentence.

4. The "Should, Can't, Have To" Crystal Ball.
Each one of these words conveys a negative belief or perceived assessment of a situation. Watch the statement that follows "Should", "Can't”, and "Have To." The listener is telling you that they really don't want to do what they are saying. Watch these words closely and folks around you will think you are plugged into the psychic hot line.

5. Ask Is Not A Four Letter Word
Just because you speak the same language...don't assume you understand another person. The message sent is often not the message received. Masterful listeners ask, ask, ask. Any sales executive knows that the person asking the questions is the person in control of the conversation. An easy way to become an expert listener is to verify that your perception of what was said was what the speaker meant.

Sexual Harassment..Communication

It has been said that there are at least two sides to every story. This will try to cover both sides of the sexual harassment topic. In this case there is the management side, (M), and the employee side, (E). Let us look at the factors from both sides of communication.

Communication:
(M): Make clear the policy for the office regarding sexual harassment, and communicate it in a fashion that is easily understood. When in situations that might allow for a charge of harassment, be clear in what you have to say, not just in the words, but in tone, and in body language, which includes facial expression. Much can be made of the way in which something is said.

(E): If you think someone has said or done something that could be sexually harassing, tell that person straight out that you think what they have said or done is not okay with you. Let them explain. If that does no good, communicate this clearly to the next person up the chain of command from you. If the alleged perpetrator is that person, go to the next step up. Document what has happened, so the memory is fresh, and the information can be passed on without confusion.

Communication Skills To Help Win The Race to the Top

"State agencies were created as compliance agencies, not to be agents of transformative change," said Dane Linn, the education division director of the Washington-based National Governors Association's Center for Best Practices.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan has said he wants innovative proposals that move states beyond the status quo. Unfortunately, state-level officials say capacity issues aren't just about having enough people to do the work. They also worry about having visionary people who can deliver on what Mr. Duncan wants.

As an expert in change management, I am in complete disagreement with Mr. Duncan and state officials. No group has a deeper commitment to quality public education. No group has a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing their students. Historically, School Boards have been tasked with compliance, not innovation. However, members of the Arizona School Board have the necessary qualities to create the transformative change. The key components of innovation are collaboration and communication. School Board Association members working as a team can conceptualize a project that is both innovative and effective. In order to have the best plan it is essential the effective communication skills are in place. Listening is an overlooked communication skill. However, it is one of the most effective skills to utilize in the process of innovation. It is essential to listen to other board members as they craft innovative plans.

This week I will provide you with tips to enhance the effective communication.

ABC's of Communication

Go for it!

As an executive coach and motivational speaker I love these ABC's of communicating Brought to you by my friend Anne Naylor! In my life coaching business communication skills are so important.

Dare to reach out and make new connections. Dare to deepen the connections you already have. Dare to be more fully your glorious self!

You are not an accident. You are here for good purpose. Allow yourself to be seen, to be known, to be enjoyed. Awaken yourself to living in a new world of wonder and fulfilment, while being in the same old one.

What is it that draws us together? What is the purpose? What can you learn from those drawn to you? Do you have any tips for making good connections with others?


Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-naylor/the-abcs-of-good-communic_b_301591.html

ABC's of Communication

Factor X

As delicate as the thread of a spider's web, and as strong, there is a powerful and unseen quality of connection we share that cannot be defined. You can awaken to it.

It is the connection of mother to child. The connection sometimes of romantic chemistry. The presence of a person who had devoted their life to a spiritual practice.

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow
men. Herman Melville

Todays ABC of Communication

E. Exercise a positive focus

A positive focus is part an attitude - of focusing on the positive, the good in any situation; and part holding an intention of a positive outcome, no matter how things look in the present. A positive focus makes good communication much easier.

ABC's of Communication

Decide to be friendly .....

A warm smile can say much without any words being expressed. Shared laughter and joy serve to connect us way beyond our differences.

Connecting silently can happen through a firm handshake, a hug, sharing the rhythm of a dance. To touch is to enrich, both giver and receiver.

Todays Motivational Speakers ABC of Communication!

B. ..Be open...
.... willing to be true to yourself, and towards those with whom you wish to communicate. Receive, without condition, what others have to express to you.

To be open is to be vulnerable. Vulnerability has the meaning both of being wounded, and blessed. Wounds can be transformed into your blessings. Every difficult experience you have can be used to develop your inner strength, such that you can stand forward more fully in the magnificent truth of who you are. Paradoxically, in that strength, you are less likely to be hurt.

In the business of Life Coaching it is crucial to be true to yourself and others.

"To grow mature is to separate more distinctly, to connect more
closely."
Hugo von Hofmannsthal