What I really meant was... (Improving Communication)

Facilitated by Face2Face

Concentrate on active listening

We often jump to conclusions and leap to defense. If someone touches your hot button, you immediately shut down and you aren't listening anymore.

Note non-verbal cues

Perceptual errors
1. Judge ourselves more charitably than we judge others.

2. Influenced by what is most obvious.

3. Cling to first impressions.

4. Tend to think people are just like us.

5. Favor negative impressions over positive.

Filters: We all have them. Our set of experiences. We process all information through these filters. We need to be aware of them.

Be clear when speaking.

Ask questions and stop trying to read minds.

Say exactly what you mean.

When you're having a hard time expressing yourself, try using the following statement:

I feel ______ when you (said or did) _______, because I think you ________.

Avoid shortcuts like acronyms or jargon.

Avoid assumptions.

3 key phrases for clarity

-Help me to understand... (This is a non-threatening diffuser.)

-What I heard you say was... (Clarification)

-What I really meant was...

Communication styles

Driver: achieving, decisive, independent, efficient, intense, deliberate

Analytical: logical, serious, factual, well-organized, reserved, linear

Amiable: supportive, friendly, relaxed, patient, cooperative

Expressive: lively, outgoing, enthusiastic, persuasive, humorous, gregarious

Ideally, your team is made up of people who reflect each of these styles.