It’s Time for A Communication Revolution

Are you in?

Communication is at the root of every conflict, misunderstanding, and damaged relationship.

Communication is also at the root of every successful collaboration, empathetic exchange, and enviable relationship.

I’m going to say something very bold here.

We’ve been communicating all wrong. It’s time for a full blown revolution.

I declare that when a majority begin practicing a new approach to communication, we will save us from ourselves:

• People who are miserable in the workplace, won’t be.
• People who don’t feel seen and heard, will be.
• People who hold beliefs in complete opposition to others will uncover commonalities.
• Our complex social and societal problems will begin to be resolved instead of eternally argued.

Good communication tools help us feel more connected to people.

Hundreds of people I’ve coached were bordering on causing significant damage to an important relationship because they didn’t know how to have tough conversations in healthy ways.

People are exhausted from not being heard, not feeling valued, having drama and unhealthy conflict. They’re even sick of avoiding conflict that must be had.

Great communication requires the development of self-awareness and emotional self-regulation:

• Be intentional in the words you use and assumptions you make as these are the components of trustworthiness.
• Stay centered when listening to other people’s stories and what they share. Listen with openness and avoid being influenced by your own stories.
• When you notice that you’re making assumptions or don’t understand something, seek clarity by asking curious questions.
• Commit to being okay with being a little uncomfortable, and practice showing up as a trusting communication partner. This helps build new neural pathways in your brain.
• If you don’t agree or have a differing perspective, speak your truth in a clean and clear way. This means pausing your internal dialogue and leaving frustration or outside pressure aside.

Good communication requires mindful practice.

12 years ago I had to transform my communication in order to be a better leader and regain the trust of my team. And even though teaching communication skills is fundamental to what I do, I can’t be on auto-pilot.

I practice these steps everyday.

Are you going to be in the majority?

Where can you apply these steps?

Are you ready to do your part to revolutionize communication?