Communications Skills Add Value

Want to discover a success secret that may result in more happiness, help you to be more successful in your work, let you earn more money and to be more fulfilled? Sound too good to be true? The secret.... polishing your communication skills! This trick can help you improve performance, relationships and achieve more happiness and satisfaction.

Four Strategies for Improving Communication...

1. LISTEN. A smart person once said that we have two ears and one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we speak. That got my attention. It sounds so easy, but how many times are you currently engaged in conversation and aren't really listening? Your mind is in your next meeting, customer, job, dinner, children or perhaps you're just busy thinking about the next thing you are going to say when the speaker requires a breath. In any case, listening is a skill which may be improved.

2. BE RESPECTFUL. Even in circumstances where communication may be difficult, treating another person with regard allows more open and constructive exchange of opinions and ideas.

3. RESPOND RATHER THAN REACT. Watch your emotions. If what the speaker is saying generates an emotional response in you, listen extra carefully with attention to the intention and complete meaning of these words. If we are angry, frightened or angry, we often miss critical elements of what's being said. Be slow to disagree, criticize or argue. Even when you disagree, let them have their perspective. If you react in a manner which makes the other person defensive, even if you"win" the debate, you might get rid of something a lot more valuable.

4. IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS. If you end up not able to express your ideas effectively with co-workers, customers, your spouse or family, maybe you would benefit from working with an expert that will help you clarify and develop language to more clearly express yourself.