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Secrets to Success John-Paul Micek |
Three steps to becoming
a master communicatorEffective communication. We all want to know how to become better at it. We all want the benefits it bestows on those who master it. Yet why is it that so few people are seen as master communicators?
Picture all the additional sales, deeper relationships and increased profits that being a master communicator can bring into your life. These are a few of the benefits that come from being a better communicator. While it may not be possible to turn you into a master communicator in one short article, here are three simple steps to start you on the road to success.
Step one
Accurate self-perception is the foundation of the master communicator.The beginning of self-perception lies in the ability to separate yourself from the world around you. Reflect and focus on your actions, your communications and the effectiveness of both. Then ask yourself these power questions:
What results have I achieved in the past with the way I have been communicating?
Am I happy with the results? If not, what has been missing?
Am I truly communicating in the most effective way possible for each person I meet? Or am I just communicating my way?
There is always something we can improve in our communication style.
Step two
Get feedback from trusted sources.Once you have what you honestly feel is an accurate self-perception, the next step is to validate your view by going to the people who know you best. Poll these people and ask for honest answers to these four simple questions.
What do you like in the way I have been communicating with you?
Based on your observations, what could I do to more quickly build rapport and develop trust with other people?
From your observations, what am I doing in my communication with others that is working?
What do I do consistently in my communicating, that if modified, would help improve our communication?
Compare the answers with your own to move to step three for final confirmation.
Step three
Do behavioral strengths assessments. Behavioral assessments are a great tool for self-development.A quality, validated behavioral assessment will give you both a clear self-perception and an accurate perception of how others receive your communication style.
The bottom line
Whether you choose to start with assessments as step one or finish with assessments as step three, don't let another day go by with the status quo being acceptable. You can read the full version of this article, complete with coaching notes, in the "personal performance" section of the "article archive" at www.rpmsuccess.com.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
John-Paul Micek is a small-business strategist
and chief operating officer at RPM Success Group.
Reach him at JPM@RPMsuccess.com
or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer
of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach
and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com
or (888) 334-8151.
