Next Level Communication

I’m working on a major project for management development. One of the concepts that I’m bringing to this amazing program for building a Culture of Caring™ is the idea of how to be even more effective in something we all take for granted. 

 

Communication is a skill. And today, I’ll give you some quick tips on upleveling that skill, especially as we’re in the midst of “holiday season,” a time rife with emotional ups and downs. 

 

We humans want and need connection. 

Ultimately, people just want to be acknowledged.

I believe that we—humans—are here to be a positive light in, and witness for, other people’s lives. 

 

Now a lot of my work focuses on letting go of old stories and letting go of seeking approval from others. And with that said, you can make a big difference in someone’s life by simply seeing them, and by letting them know that they are seen.

 

At your next holiday gathering, don’t just focus on the weather, ask about important things. Use this as a prompt: “What’s the most important thing happening in your life right now or in the year ahead?”

 

Can you imagine being asked that? There’s emotional gravity in that question. 

 

Listen for the emotion in the answer. Respond to the emotion, and not the content. That’d be, “Wow, that sounds incredibly [exciting/daunting/scary/upsetting/inspiring]” – whatever adjective best describes what they just said. Do NOT bring yourself into it. “Wow, writing a book! That sounds incredibly exciting and daunting. I could never do that.” It’s not about you. Just acknowledge the emotional experience the other person is having and wait. Pause. Create space for a follow-up response.

 

You’re not talking AT them. You’re speaking WITH them. With. That’s connection. And believe it or not, that’s upleveled communication. 

Pay attention to how most people engage in conversation: 

“I went to Disneyworld.”

“Wow, I love Disneyworld!”

Phhhhhhtttttt

 

With your new skill, you’ll lift others by seeing, hearing, and acknowledging what matters to them.

“I went to Disneyworld”

“That sounds like it would be fun! What did you enjoy most about going there?”

“Well…” and they’ll tell you about something that means something to them. 

 

The holidays can be a stressful time. They don’t have to be. Get intentional about seeing other people and acknowledging them. 

 

So here’s a question – 

What’s the most important thing happening in your life right now or in the year ahead?

That sounds amazing. I’d love to learn more!

 

Uplevel your communication at home, at work, and in the community! Keep it going and keep making your magic!

 

See you here next week!

 

= Wayne = 

P.S. Clarity, Desire, Direction, and Focus were all outcomes of my small group summit that I led in October in Portugal. On April 3rd – 5th, I’m leading a small group in the exploration of Exponential Success. It’s personal. It’s for you. And if you want in, reach out to me or go HERE to register. (Clicking the link gives you more information. Click through now!)