Perhaps the better question is, how many times TODAY, did someone spend more than their ‘allotted’ time, talking to you? I was fortunate in my career to have been able to work under a brilliant leader. Once every few months, I got to have a 30 minute one-on-one time with her. I was always excited for these meetings because really, how often do you get to have your own personal time with your leader where the focus is . . . YOU? I arrived prepared. I had my questions and the areas I needed some clarity and guidance on. As soon as I asked my first question, she launched into all the thoughts, ideas and experiences that were swirling in her head. I admit, she had a lot of knowledge and experience but here was the rub: She spent the next 30 minutes going off on tangents, so much so, that at the end of the meeting, I stood up and said: “I have no idea what I am suppose to do.”
I learned is that while people may have expert knowledge in many areas, if they cannot express themselves briefly and concisely, especially in the workplace, their knowledge is tuned out!
TMI (Too much information)
Unfocused
Insensitive
Sometimes people say phrases and you know, as the listener, that it is going to be painful. As the speaker, here are phrases you need to avoid.
(from “Brief” by J. McCormack)
1. “And another thing . . .”
2. “I’m just thinking out loud . . .”
3. “To make a long story even longer . . .”
1. Know What You Want
2. Make It A Dialogue, Not a Monologue
3. Pause
Now it’s up to you to make a bigger impact and get results, by being brief! Of course there are additional strategies required to create an engaged work environment. If you want sustainable strategies that work, then I invite you to contact me for a FREE 20 minute phone call. Click Here to Contact Me In the ‘Subject Line” write ‘Free Call’ and I will contact you. See how you can create an even better workplace.
Barb
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