Hey there, Engaging Executives!
Let’s dive into the intricate world of communication and unravel the nuances of Distortions, Generalisations and Deletions. These subtle saboteurs can sneak into our conversations and lead us astray if we’re not careful.
So, imagine you’re in a meeting discussing a project with your team, and suddenly, someone says, “My boss is ruining my day!” Wait, what? How did we go from project updates to boss-induced misery in a split second? This, my friends, is a classic example of Distortion. Someone has taken an innocent comment or action and blown it way out of proportion.
But fear not, fellow communicators!
- Armed with awareness, we can combat these sneaky saboteurs and steer our conversations back on track.
- The next time you hear a Distortion like this, don’t panic. Instead, gently probe by asking why they feel this way.
- Encourage them to reconsider their perspective and see if they can uncover a more balanced view of the situation.
Now, let’s talk about generations.
You know, those sweeping statements that make you raise an eyebrow and think, “Really? All of them?”
For example, when someone declares, “All my staff are lazy!” Whoa there, hold your horses! Painting everyone with the same brush is rarely accurate or fair. So, when faced with such a statement, it’s time to play the role of the sceptic. Challenge it by asking for specifics. Do they honestly believe every single person fits that description? You might be surprised by the response.
And then there are Deletions—the silent assassins of communication.
These are the things left unsaid, the details conveniently swept under the rug. Ever heard someone say, “They won’t be happy about this”? Who exactly are “they,” you wonder? Ah, the million-dollar question! Don’t let vague pronouns derail your understanding. Politely inquire about the identities of these mysterious individuals and shed light on what’s happening.
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect.
- Have you ever found yourself using these techniques?
- It’s okay, we’ve all been there. In fact, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ve succumbed to the allure of Distortions, Generalisations, or Deletions at some point in your life.
- But here’s the thing: awareness is the first step towards improvement.
- By recognising these communication pitfalls for what they are—distortions of reality—we can begin to break free from their grip.
Reflect
- Think back to a time when you were the recipient of one of these techniques.
- How did it make you feel? Frustrated? Misunderstood?
- Now flip the script.
- Have you ever employed these strategies yourself?
- Perhaps without even realising it?
- It’s a humbling realisation, isn’t it?
- But don’t beat yourself up over it.
- We’re all works in progress, constantly learning and evolving.
Take away
So, what’s the key takeaway here? It’s simple:
- Be mindful of how you communicate.
- Pay attention to your words and assumptions.
- And remember, communication is a two-way street.
- It’s not just about what you say but also how you listen.
- We can cultivate stronger connections and foster a more positive work environment by encouraging open, honest dialogue and challenging imprecise communication when necessary.
- Navigating Communication Pitfalls
And hey, if you’re looking for inspiration, why not check out our Vlog featuring success stories from The Engaging Executive Programme? It’s chock-full of insights and practical tips to help you become a master communicator. So watch, learn, and embark on your journey towards more transparent, effective communication. You’ve got this!
Have you ever wondered about the secret sauce to seamlessly engaging in conversations? It’s crucial because your communication might fall flat if you don’t know how to engage in conversations.
I recommend checking out this excellent article, ‘Breaking Into Conversations: Mastering Assertiveness in Meetings.’ It’s a game-changer! Once you delve into it, you’ll realise how much smoother your communication can become. Effective communication opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Trust me, it’s worth exploring!
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.