The Power of Positive Communication
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” – Author Paul J. Meyer
Communication is both an art and a science. It requires an ability to combine emotional intelligence with fact-based information in order to deliver a message in a clear, concise manner. No matter the industry or role, business is built on the ability to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and colleagues alike. However, communicating is not always an easy task. We have all been in a situation at some point in our careers where we must deliver bad news, give negative feedback or critiques, or communicate with someone we find frustrating. Developing a positive communication style can help create more productive reactions to potentially negative situations.
Our business development manager, Megan McIver, recently attended a leadership conference that hosted Sarita Maybin: motivational speaker, communication expert, and author. During the training, the group was provided with Maybin’s framework for positive communication. Below are some of her key takeaways and phrases from the presentation:
Key Takeaway #1: You Don’t Have to Crush Someone When Delivering Bad News
Getting bad news is hard enough – don’t make it worse than it needs to be. Always keep your phrasing positive. This will help get your point across without being too harsh, which is something everyone will appreciate.
Key Takeaway #2: No Matter Where You Go, There Will Always Be People Who Frustrate You
While we would all love to avoid people who push our buttons, the reality is that you will face these people in a variety of environments – even when you attempt to avoid them. Learning how to deal with difficult people, rather than running away, will benefit you in the long run.
Key Takeaway #3: Use a Framework to Give Negative Feedback/Critiques
Here are a few important things to remember when giving negative feedback or critiquing someone else’s work or behavior:
- Assume the other person is unaware of their actions and give them the benefit of the doubt
- Ask yourself, “does this really matter?”
- Be specific about what you would like to see change
To learn more from communication expert Sarita Maybin, please visit www.saritamaybin.com