The world has changed, and to be honest it’s hard to keep up. It’s a far stretch from my days of running my company with a cell phone and a pick up truck. Covid has excelled the speed of what we are calling the digital age. The biggest changes are how we connect and our attitudes around communication. It’s easier to access people through social media, direct messaging, and emails. The days of going through someone’s assistant or receptionist are behind us.
As today’s, social media, emails are conventional and more of the norm to gain access or communicate with your network. I still think the brave people who gain the ability to communicate and network traditionally will move forward in what ever they do, faster. They will learn the skill of adapting to people’s taste, values, beliefs and principles quicker, they will be known, liked and trusted more effectively. They will have a stronger ability to service and provide an experience to their network than most in this generation will.
Today’s technology does make things more efficient and productive, but creates an absence of connection. The most traditional and effective ways to communicate can vary depending on the context and the individuals involved. However, here are some general guidelines to consider for effective communication:
Clear and concise language: Use simple and straightforward language to ensure your message is easily understood. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse your audience.
Active listening: Give your full attention to the person speaking. Show interest by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing verbal or non-verbal cues to indicate you are actively listening. This helps foster understanding and shows respect for the speaker.
Non-verbal communication: Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Non-verbal cues can greatly impact how your message is received and understood. Maintain open and confident body posture, use appropriate facial expressions, and use a calm and measured tone of voice.
Empathy and emotional intelligence: Consider the emotions of others when communicating and try to empathize with their perspective. Emotional intelligence helps you understand how your words and actions may impact others, allowing for more effective and compassionate communication.
Adaptability: Adjust your communication style based on the preferences and needs of the person or group you are communicating with. Some people may prefer a direct and assertive approach, while others may respond better to a more collaborative and indirect style.
Find common ground: Look for shared interests, hobbies, or values that can serve as a common foundation for building connections. This allows for easier conversation and the potential for deeper connections.
Share experiences and stories: Personal anecdotes can create a sense of connection and encourage others to open up as well. By sharing your own experiences, you create a space for vulnerability and authenticity.
Clarify and confirm understanding: Seek clarification if something is not clear to you. Summarize or repeat important points to confirm mutual understanding. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective communication.
Choose the appropriate medium: Consider the best method of communication for different situations. Face-to-face or video meetings are ideal for complex discussions or sensitive matters, while email or instant messaging may be more suitable for quick updates or non-urgent information.
Respectful and constructive feedback: Provide feedback in a respectful and constructive manner, focusing on specific situations or behaviors rather than personal attacks. Frame feedback in a way that encourages growth and improvement.
Remember that effective communication is a continuous process that requires practice and refinement. Be open to feedback and actively seek ways to improve your communication skills over time. Building connections takes time and effort. Be patient, be present in conversations, and show genuine interest in connecting with others. By focusing on building meaningful connections through communication, you can cultivate a strong network of relationships both personally and professionally.
So there you have it, now go out there and show them you have what it takes!
Your Friend,
Danijel Slisko
Check out www.utagg.ca our latest digital business card to help your connect.
