Communicate to Transform - Vlog/Blog

The two most important communications habits to avoid as a leader.

Do you ever wonder why people go on the defensive after you’ve corrected them? Do they get angry sometimes? 

Do people freeze up when you’re making suggestions or trying to help them?

It might be your opening or corrective statements.

There are two things people do that put people on the defensive, make them freeze up or get angry in response.

Often we’re not aware that we’re even doing them. Especially if we’ve been brought up with the same techniques.

 Do you ever feel unfairly judged?

 If you have ever felt judged unfairly, typically one of two things is said to you.

 Either you’ve been

1.     Negative name called and labeled.

2.     Been blamed for something without effective discovery, questioning and compassion.

If you’re a leader, it’s important to avoid these two communications habits. If it’s happened to you, you know the negative effects.

How do you feel when someone says you’re an idiot or useless...

8 words and phrases to avoid for healthy communications habits.

Do you struggle with what words to choose in a difficult situation?

Have you noticed some people turn off after you say something?

Could you be gentler when you’re being direct?

When you’re coaching someone to correct a behavior or mistake, do they get defensive?

You’re probably using defensive provoking words.

The 8 words and phrases to avoid I share here help you be a more gentle and engaging communicator.

Using soft words keeps people open instead of defensive.

They help you be a better leader and coach.

1.       Always — replace with usually or often or mostly.

This ones a little contradictory, but it’s very important. Avoid it most of the time.

In a workshop with equipment managers one person pointed out that you should always put diesel in a diesel engine. Using sometimes or most often doesn’t apply here. That's why I say avoid always most often. 

2.       Should — replace with could. Should is a guilt...