Communications and Consequences

“Everybody, sooner or later, sits down to a banquet of consequences.” Robert Louis Stevenson 

You reap what you sow -- always. People genius individuals know that everything communicates. Everything matters. The words, the tone, the body language and the intent, all count. 

Every communication triggers an emotional reaction. The emotions and feelings others have towards us impact our ability to motivate, engage, influence and succeed. The emotional noise based on our perceived actions lurks in the background.

A quick and easy reality test for the emotions we have provoked is whether people smile or grimace when we approach or call, if they return emails on a timely basis. You might remember these thoughts from other blogs. It is worth repeating since it is that critical to your success.

Are your communications triggering enthusiasm, open-ness, commitment and trust? Or do they illicit anxiety, self-protection, apathy and fear?

The choice is yours.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

Who’s on Your Team?

Rarely has greatness been accomplished alone. Think about it.

The Wright Brothers needed each other and a cadre of others to make their dreams come true. Their dream coming true eventually resulted in the first man walking on the moon. Thank you, Wright Brothers!

I find it interesting when people profess they are self-made millionaires. I often wonder who gave them their first break. Who was helping in the background? Was it the loan officer who was willing to take a risk? The grocer who had food on the shelves?

Truth is, even the self-employed are on a team. The team includes their clients, the suppliers, the contractors and countless others.

Who is on your “team”?

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

Listening

“Nature has given humanity one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.”  Epictetus

I love this one! It is always a great reminder for me. I can get so wrapped up in having the answers and solutions, I forget to listen. Every situation is different, unique.

I do much better when I slow down and learn someone’s frame of reference and motivation. When I engage based on their specific situation, needs and outcomes.

Be a great coach and mentor. Listen more, talk less.

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Be Your Message

Actions speak louder than words. Live your message, instead of preaching it.

Everything you do communicates.

Everything matters.

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Meaning is in People

I believe the above statement is what makes communications so fascinating and fun. As a global coach and consultant, I’ve observed that what I say to one person can trigger a totally different reaction in another person. It is the meaning people give to the words.

Let me share a personal example. When a person uses the word “aggressive” to describe me, I have to take a deep long breath. For me, “aggressive” means success at all costs. “Aggressive” was the word that once described me when I was fighting to survive in the oil industry in the ‘70s. Not a happy memory for me, and not who I am today. Use the word “assertive” and I beam.

How would you know that “aggressive” was a hot button for me? You probably would not.

Take the time to observe people’s reaction and response to your communications to understand if the intent of your communications are matching the impact of the communications.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

You Create Your Reality

Please be aware the next few meetings you attend. In general, do people smile or grimace when they see you? Are they engaged by what you are saying or rolling their eyes?

Please begin to notice the reaction when you make a call. When he hears your voice does he sound happy and energized? Or do you sense dread and impatience?

Do you like your reality? Good for you. Atta-person!

If you don’t particularly like your lot in life, perhaps it is time to get feedback and make some changes.

For what it is worth, I use to dread my life. Now I love it! The difference is me, not others. When you change on the inside, the outer world reflects it.

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Pumped?

Are you excited about your work? Do you wake-up every morning and say, “Yeah, I get to go to work”? Or do you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock?

It all begins with you. If you are worn out, exhausted and depleted, doubtful you can ignite the energy and greatness in others. Positive uplifting energy makes a huge impact on your ability to get things done through people. People can sense your attitude by your facial expression and body language.

Get pumped. Ignite the spark in others with your flame of passion.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Good News

The informal networks of trusting relationships is what keeps this world going, at least that is my belief. While we may hear about all the bad news, there is still lots of good news.  

There are still many more people who care about others, have others best interests in mind and in heart and who want to help others achieve their dreams and have great success or the world would have imploded by now.

Be the good news in a troubling world.

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Are People Breathing?

I have observed that people tend to breathe freely around people they trust. People tend to trust individuals who are encouraging, give praise and credit, show care and concern for others as well as give feedback in a way that the message can be heard.

I have also observed across seventeen industries people tend to stop breathing around individuals who blame and find fault, who are negative, who always have to have the last word and those who have to be right at any costs. 

Are people breathing around you?

Or are they holding their breath?

The choice is yours.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.