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Secrets to Success
Deborah Cole Micek |
Get a handle
on perception
to see success
Ever wonder why some people are more successful than others? Is it luck? Or do successful people do things differently than everyone else?
Success is directly related to how effective you are as a communicator. Positions of power, prestige and authority hinge on how well you can communicate your thoughts and ideas to the people who matter most -- the ones making the decisions.
Studies have proven that people buy from people they like. And people tend to like people similar to themselves.
The problem arises when people simply don't realize the type of impression they're leaving on others. Thus, they're unable to adapt their communication style, and simply stick with a "one size fits all" approach.
Selling, managing, or leading people without understanding your own communication style is like trying to use a new computer without a manual. Sure, you can make it work, but will you ever get peak performance from that computer? It's the same with people.
Imagine how great it would be to have an owner's manual that would guide you so you would have consistent peak performance in your own life. Picture yourself making sale after sale, creating dozens of satisfied new clients.
If you're ready and willing to take a look at communicating differently than the way you've always done it, here are a few strategies to get you moving in the right direction toward being a master communicator.
>> Understand yourself. Learn what your natural style of communication is so you will be able to objectively look at both your strengths and your weaknesses. Scientifically validated assessments are some of the best tools to understanding yourself.Last, understand that other people do things for their own reasons, not yours. Anytime someone frustrates you, remember this principle so you won't take it personally.>> Recognize the cues other people are giving you to indicate the type of communicators they are. The more you understand how other people "tick," the better you'll be able to negotiate for results versus being manipulated by others.
>> Appreciate other people's differences in order to adapt to their preference of communication. When you start speaking "their language," they'll connect with you and listen to what you have to say.
>> Adapt your style based on your audience. Adapt your tone of voice and style depending on whom you're talking with and the intent of the interaction. For example, when someone is talking to a baby, and then 10 seconds later walks into a business meeting, their style of talking changes completely. The same principle rings true with different sales prospects.
>> Match and mirror other people in order to appreciate where they're coming from in order to respect their style. This will get you far greater results much more quickly, because people who are different from you will be able to hear what you are saying and listen to your pitch, instead of judging you by their first impression.