Communication is Hard
- Advoco
- Sep 3, 2021
- 2 min read
Communication is hard.
That’s it. That’s the tweet…or in this case, the a-Minute.
Simon Sinek said, “Communication isn’t about saying what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean.”
Wow.
I know too often I fall into the category of saying what I think, and then I am amazed that the other person totally missed my entire point. What is wrong with them? I very clearly told them what I thought! Turns out there is nothing wrong with them, and everything wrong with me. I wasn’t ensuring that others hear what I mean.
Sinek gives us 3 tips to improve our communication:
1. Everything you do is communication. How many of us think we are only communicating when we are talking or emailing? Nope. It’s like the old Police song, “Every move you make, every step you take, every bond you break” they’ll be watching you!
2. The tortoise always beats the hare. It’s consistency versus intensity. As Sinek points out, intensity is going to the dentist twice a year and consistency is brushing your teeth every day. What’s the value of brushing your teeth for two minutes? Nothing unless it’s done every day.
3. Don’t try too hard. Language and adapting your message to the audience matters. However, knowing where to put your focus matters more. If someone is addicted to sweets, good luck convincing them to eat spinach instead. Instead, focus on the people that are already interested and open minded and focus on them. If you get enough of them eating spinach the rest will follow!
Think carefully about how you are communicating, not just with your words but with your actions. If you aren’t sure how you communicate, just ask people! After all, the other half of communication is listening.
Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.
About Dale: As our Executive Director of Human Resources, Dale is the powerhouse behind helping our team grow. He graduated from USC-Upstate (but considers himself a Dayton Flyer). He has over twelve years of HR experience in a variety of industries, focused primarily on talent acquisition and organizational development. Dale is passionate about challenging himself, and when he’s not in the office, he’s training for his next big race. Each year he picks a different race to compete in. In the past it has been mostly running events, but this year is all about biking, he just completed a 75 mile relay from Asheville, SC to Greenville, SC. Questions? Send Dale an email!
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