As an Engaging Executive, you need to be alert to the underlying assumptions people make. You can start by learning how to identify imprecise communication which can be categorised as Distortions, Generalisations and Deletions.

Distortions occur when a person assumes an incorrect meaning of someone else’s actions or words. Generalisations occur when someone makes a broad statement that’s unfounded. Deletions are when someone only pays attention to certain aspects but omits other aspects.

 

What to do

How can you combat this imprecise communication? If you hear someone using a Distortion, e.g. “My boss is absolutely ruining my day!” ask why she is choosing to let her boss ruin her day. She might rethink things. If someone uses a Generalisation e.g. “All my staff are lazy!”, ask “What, every single person?”. For Deletions, e.g, “They won’t be happy about this”, ask “Who are ‘they’?”.

 

Takeaway

Have you ever used these techniques? In the course of your life so far, it is guaranteed you have had used any of these techniques. What impact did it have? Perhaps you recall when this was used on you. The key is to be aware. It is not the truth, rather a generalisation. This is another reason why building your skills other than technical ones are useful. Being an Engaging Executive has both skills, particularly in understanding, influencing and connecting with others, read on here.

Would you like to hear one of our success stories? Watch this Vlog as she put all she learned together from The Engaging Executive Programme.