Make brilliant communication part of your team culture.

It comes down to this: do you want to be a better communicator? If so, it takes skill development – the payoff is huge! Communication makes or breaks success. It is a learned art: like any skill you have to train to get better at it, and effective communication begins on the inside.

As you read, do the exercises. Don’t just ask yourself these questions, get feedback from others.
Let’s do this – let’s take communication from good to outrageous with these four essential elements.
Outrageous:  Exceeding the limits of what is usual (every winning team does that).

1. Communicate in a clear, credible way.
How do you know you’re doing this? Ask yourself and ask others:

• Is there congruence between what I say and the vibe I give?
• Are my communications/conversations honest?
• Do people understand me (the first time)?
• Do people trust what I say?

Behavior is the launch pad of communication – you sound like you roll. Behavior must be congruent with what is said; actions must align with words.

2. Make the complex simple: say exactly what you mean in as few potent words as possible.
How do you know you’re doing this? Ask yourself and ask others:

• Can people track what I am saying and get it the first time?
• Do I oversimplify to try to mask information?
• Do I spin by talking too much?
• Do I get to the point quickly?

Notice how many superfluous words you use, and get to the gems. Notice if people can take immediate action after you speak – whether to respond coherently, or get something done, without having to ask you to clarify what you said.

3. Stay real and keep it authentic.
How do you know you’re doing this? Ask yourself and ask others:

• Do I talk to please others rather than go with the truth?
• Am I saying what I really want to say?
• Am I being political or dodgy?

Get real, keep it real. “Don’t sanitize or complicate your communication with corporate-speak.” Concentrate on being distinct and real. People want real. People respect real People follow real. Be genuine, and people will respect you for it.
Check it though: real is not an excuse to blow people up.

4. Every interaction is an opportunity to build partnership.
How do you know you’re doing this? Ask yourself and ask others:

• Are people fearful that I will ‘brutalize’ them with my version of the truth?
• Do people want to dialogue with me – is the end result usually uplifting?
• Am I building trust when I communicate?
• Do I inquire as much as I declare?

Poor communicators use ‘straight talk’ as an excuse to dump on others, or ‘hit them’ verbally. Don’t be that guy. Listen with your eyes as well as your ears. Remember that effective communication is two-way. You need to read the nonverbal cues and body language. Observe and ask thoughtful questions to create clarity and connection.

Outrageously effective communication, creates outrageously excellent relationships. Communication is not transactional, it is relational; it engages productive teams, creates satisfied customers, and inspires happy people (= Your Success!).

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