A Tip from Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi is an excellent relationship and communication coach. I thought I’d share a few tips from his recent blogpost. If you’re interested in learning more about him as a speaker please let me know – otherwise enjoy the tips below, I wonder how many relationships would be improved by remembering to use these simple tips.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tip 222 - Don't Be a Jerk - SHARPEN Your Communication Skills

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Poor communication skills? You CAN improve them – and you should, because those who don’t often end up getting written off as “jerks.” Your career will suffer, particularly when it comes to your ability to collaborate and lead.

To help you along the way, I asked one of our RMA Coaches, Stephanie Vora, to pull together a list of the top practices she and other coaches use to create productive relationships with clients. One of the first priorities of a coach is to set their clients at ease in the relationship so that communication is never a barrier to finding the best solution.

Here’s my three favorites of the top six she shared with RMAers on their weekly coaching call. My suggestion: Get started by picking one to focus on in the next few days. Once it becomes a habit, move onto the next.

1. Ask for permission: Make sure the person you are speaking with is ready and willing to engage. Always ask people if they have time to talk or if another time would be better. Also ask if it’s OK to talk about sensitive topics ( e.g., Do you mind if I ask you a personal question about your family?).

2. Clarify what has been said: Showing that you have really listened and understood by mirroring a person’s remarks back at him or her builds incredible trust. This is a form of active listening. When mirroring remarks, make sure you capture the essence and be succinct. Also, remember less is more. The focus is on them.

3. Ask great open ended questions: Make them really think with questions that keep the conversation moving. Focus on forward and solution-focused questions; don't harp on the past. Try to challenge people to think things through rather than just giving them an answer.

Thanks to Stephanie for these great tips.

What are your top habits for the very best communication? Hit the blog!

Warmest,

Keith

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to save a spot in the next Relationship Masters Academy class, coming soon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KASWSTQFN3P3