What can you be in control of and responsible for in communication?
Gary Malcolm • August 15, 2023
What are you in control of in communication?
What are you in control of in communication?
Think about that for a few moments before reading on.
The Insight
The typical answers are Body language - Tone - Word Choice. Often left out is another key one we can control, being present (aka Listening).
Have you ever felt like you did it all those things in communication perfectly, and your communication did not land how you expected? Yep. We all have. We can't control what they have going on with their experience over there. However, we can be responsible for our communication.
The Practice
Being responsible for our communication can certainly start with body language, tone, and word choice. However, the two keys to being responsible for communication are:
- Stating our intention. Not being clear about why we are conversing or asking questions can cause confusion or upset.
- Making sure the communication was gotten. Check in to see if they heard what you intended or what they intended.
The Question: "Why is it so hard for me to be understanding when others screw up?"
Trust is Earned, Right?
The Question: What does leadership look like to you?
The Question: How do you respond to direction or request communication? Have you ever noticed resistance or avoidance?
The Question: I asked participants in my Leadership & Communication course, “What do you think about when others show up late to meetings or appointments?”