"Where we are understood, we are home," wrote John O'Donohue, the Irish poet and philosopher.  

As a leader whether at home or at work, how do you understand yourself first and foremost?

 

 

Communication fosters connection. Feeling heard and understood is one of the central universal human needs.  This is one of leadership's main tasks and great leaders knows how to make everyone they come into contact with feel understood.

 

Consider what excellent communication and connection fuel:

  1. Motivation
  2. Cooperation
  3. Energy
  4. Fun
  5. Happiness
  6. Satisfaction Levels
  7. Quality of friendships....the list goes on.... 

When leaders set an agenda without properly considering others, when they expect performance without first listening or when they expect "blind obedience" ... it won't matter how right they are, they'll likely not connect in the way they'd like to or get the results they need.  The right words at the right time can express and reveal important truths -- that's what gets the ball rolling in a positive direction.

 

If communicating with others effectively is a struggle for you, coaching is a beneficial investment because it fully supports you in your efforts to be effective and successful long term.  Some first steps in understanding yourself in the communication process:

  • How well do you listen?
  • How do you understand what you hear? (What are your filters, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs?)
  • How well do you feel you express yourself? 
  • How well do you think others understand you? How do you think others view you? What is the basis for your understanding?

I provide you with a framework from which to understand the communication process and your place in it.  I share tools with which to reframe, refocus and redirect situations that have been interrupting or stopping you from successfully connecting/communicating with others.

 

Along with working on self-awareness practices, we'll also address issues related to emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills as they impact communication directly.

 

Mastery of these skills WILL enhance your ability to lead, be effective both in and out of work, connect and build sustainable positive relationships in your life, sustain creative results as well as be authentically connected to your purpose and life vision.