Communication 6-10

6. Buffer criticisms with positives.

Developing good communication skills means knowing how to deliver information. When in a position where you are critiquing someone, always lead the criticism with a positive acknowledgment. This opens the person up to you and shows them that you care. Deliver the critique and follow it by more positive praise.

7. Stay on top of it.

Don’t leave things hanging. Effective communicators make people feel secure. Create ease by circling back and closing any gaps. Developing good communication means that you not only communicate clearly, but are the owner and in charge of whatever you are communicating. No one wants to feel like the other person has dropped the ball.

8. Engage with hooks.

Engage people by speaking to what will somehow benefit them. This is referred to as a hook. The more you are aware of someone’s needs, the more people are open to you and will better receive you. Find a hook that grabs attention, then proceed.

9. Listen to understand.

We tend to listen for the next opportunity to speak. Even if the person you are communicating with doesn’t consciously see that, they will feel it. Instead, listen to really understand what someone is saying. If you don’t know, ask in a way that shows you are interested in where they are coming from.

10. Pick up on cues. 

Knowing when to approach someone, when to wrap up a conversation, or how to deliver information will help you become an effective communicator. Always pay attention to who is receiving your message. Is it a good time? Are they open? Are they in the best mood to hear what you have to say? These are cues to pay attention to. Before you initiate communication, make sure it will be heard.

Communication

Here are 10 proven techniques I’ve used to help people develop good communication and awareness across the board:

We also recommend: How To Be A Good Listener That Others Want To Talk To-

1. Start with being present.

We are distracted—by everything! Recent statistics show the average attention span is as low as eight seconds and dropping. Thoughts and stresses, iPhones, TV, Internet, newspaper and magazine headlines are all competing for our attention and they are winning. Realize that the present moment is all you really have. Know that at this moment, you are planting a seed for the future. Distraction leaves openings for miscommunication. Start with being present to what is in front of you.

2. Check your tone.

Like most of us, you may not even be aware of how you sound to someone. Voice tone and delivery are a big part of our communication, so bring awareness to it. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Tone can make the difference between being perceived as caring or condescending.

3. Know your desired outcome.

Before you engage in any communication, be aware of what it is that you want. Rather than getting caught up in reaction, be proactive. Sometimes you may need to take a beat to bring some awareness to your ultimate outcome. Great relationships make everything easier for you. And in order to develop great relationships, you must have good communication. In other words, pay attention to your ultimate desire and not just each interaction.

4. Create commonalities.

You will get further, faster, when you find ways to relate to each other. Look for similarities in anything. Even in relationship conflicts, relate to someone from experience and open up to show that you are like them. People like other people who are like them.

5. Mirror body language to build rapport.

Just like a mirror reflects the object in front of it, you can do the same in order to develop another form of good communication. This technique is called mirroring. What this does is subconsciously create a commonality or likeness between you and the person you are communicating with. Don’t make it obvious, but subtly start to emulate their body language from breathing pattern to positioning to eye movements.


Check the next post for the other five-

Big picture

When you re having a bad day, or week or month think of the bigger picture.

It is easy to be positive when everything is going perfect but let's face how many have perfect days?

Are you healthy?

Do you have a home? People that care about you?

That , my friend, is the big picture.

Just take one of those away and see how good you really have it right now.

People gravitate to positive people, it is just a fact.

Yea, if you bend someone's ear on all that is wrong with your life they may politely listen and nod but overall they do not want or need that in their life either.

Look around you, stop complaining and start enjoying. You have the choice !

Less is more, learn to live with less and enjoy the little things.

Smile more, laugh more. Surround yourself with positive people and you will be positive.

Big picture people.......life is good.

 

Life

Take the time

Leaders/Drivers need to take more time to become better acquainted with others and their customers and their needs.  

Establishing a relationship by doing it right from the start will save a lot of time, energy and stress.   

Yes, this commitment can be difficult but it’s also becoming increasingly important – not only for leaders and drivers to get to know those they serve, but equally to allow themselves to be transparent enough for others to get to know them.

Take the time to listen to your customer's needs and concerns.

Open up  dialog with your customer and fellow agents, get to know each other.

Today

Today on Veteran's Day we honor the memory of the courageous and patriotic members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who have given their lives for our freedom and our country.

We appreciate and thank all Veteran's and those who are currently serving our country so bravely in all parts of the world.

Do you know this man?

Do you know this man?

He is the owner/driver and mover of Allen Young Movers in Dedham Massachusetts.

He is a true American hero, a quiet man who fought for our country in Vietnam.

I knew him for decades before I ever knew this about him, he never spoke of it.

Turns out he was a scout, he was the soldier that went ahead of his troop to clear the way and see if it was safe. He would jump out of a hovering helicopter in the dark of the night to scout the area.

Talk about brave, unbelievable.

His name is Marty Hanley.

Marty had both knees replaced a few years ago, they finally ached so much from his days in Vietnam he had to have surgery. Today he is the last man off the dance floor at our conventions.

He brings his work ethic and his honesty to his agency and it shows. Allen Young Movers is always receiving awards for their quality work.

Marty is respected and admired by all that know him.

Thank you Marty, you are a true hero.

God bless