5 Ways To Make Your Communication More Productive
5 Ways To Make Your Communication More Productive
5 Ways To Make Your Communication More Productive
Have you ever gotten a voicemail where you couldn’t understand the name of the person leaving the message, or the phone number was rattled off so fast you had to listen multiple times just to try to catch each number? Or maybe it’s the drive-by at your cubicle or office with uninvited guests that ends up taking fifteen minutes out of your day.
Sometimes we inadvertently make our life a whole lot more difficult than it needs to be. It’s time to help others help you.
If you want to make your life easier and more productive, try these communication tips:
1. Leave a message. “Missed call” is a cryptic message. People don’t know what you need, and now they have to spend time wondering – were you just calling to say hi? Is there something specific you needed? Leave a message.
2. Leave a specific voicemail. This doesn’t mean you should leave a 3 minute voicemail. Simply leave your name and number (slowly), why you are calling, whether it’s urgent or not, and when you’ll be available (if they even need to call you back).
3. What’s your favorite form of communication? Do you prefer texts, emails, phone calls, or would you prefer people just stop by your office or cubicle if they need something? It’s not rude to tell people your preference. It’s productive and helpful.
4. Ask if now is a good time. Before you interrupt someone, ask if it’s a good time. It’s polite, you’ll frustrate others less, and most importantly, you’ll train them to do the same for you. Interruptions take between 5 and 10 minutes to re-engage in the task at hand. Do your best to minimize interruptions from and to others.
5. Be mindful. People communicate the way they do because they think it’s the right way to communicate. We don’t generally intentionally frustrate others, and sometimes our approach, while not ideal, is the best way we know how. Be mindful of others’ communication preferences and be patient.
If you want to see other tips on increasing productivity through communication, check out these previous posts on improving productivity with Drivers, Expressives, Amiables, and Analyticals.
Letting people know what you need and being specific are simply forms of assertive communication. It lets you spend more time on the things that are important to you.
I would love to hear your suggestions. How else can you increase productivity through effective communication? Join us on Facebook for a discussion or leave a comment here.
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Success doesn`t happen overnight nor is it a straight path. I am beyond grateful to live my passion and share it with the world. #throwbackthursday
I played piano from the time I was four years old until the age of 15 and during that time, I had a lot of recitals. I remember being so nervous before each recital. What if I played the wrong note? What if I forgot the music? My dad would look at me, hold my hands, and say:
Whatever you do, DO NOT think of pink elephants!!
At the time, I had no idea why in the world he would say this. All I do know is that when I sat down to play, all I saw were pink elephants, and I was able to tackle my nerves.
Turns out my dad was helping me to practice the ironic process theory which explains that when we try to suppress our thoughts, we focus on them even more. Seventy to 80% of our thoughts are negative and repetitive. If not managed, intrusive thoughts can lead to anxiety, depression, and a whole host of mental health challenges.
If you tend to get stuck in rumination, or if your thoughts sometimes get the best of you, here are a few ways to take back control:
1️⃣ Recognize that your thoughts are not facts.
2️⃣ Use your brain. Do a math problem, practice a different language, or play a puzzle game. When you access the prefrontal cortex, the higher level thinking part of your brain, you get out of the emotional limbic system.
3️⃣ Distract yourself. Sometimes a simple distraction gives you enough distance to quiet your intrusive thoughts.
4️⃣ Practice mindfulness.
5️⃣ See a therapist. When negative, intrusive thoughts impact your ability to do your job, maintain relationships, or start clouding your judgment, it may be time to get help. As someone with plenty of intrusive thoughts, therapy has helped me tremendously.
Don’t forget, your thoughts and feelings are not facts. They are simply habits that need to be shifted. Be patient with yourself, and if all else fails, whatever you do, DO NOT THINK OF PINK ELEPHANTS!
Pets provide a deep sense connection and unconditional love. I don’t know what I’d do without without these two nut jobs! Happy National Love Your Pet Day! ❤️🐶 #mindfulmonday #mindfulness #petsnuggles #ilovemydogs #petsofinstagram #nationalloveyourpetday
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Anne Grady is a Speaker, Author, and #TruthBomb Dropper.
Anne shares practical strategies that can be applied both personally and professionally to improve relationships, navigate change, and triumph over adversity. And she’ll make you laugh while she does it. Anne is a two time TEDx speaker, and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company and Inc. magazines, CNN, ESPN, and FOX Business. She is the best selling author of 3 books. Her newest, Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience, is available on Amazon now.
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I try to be mindful of interrupting staff, but have always allowed an “open door” policy when they interrupt me, and sometimes that does hamper communication. I had never considered incorporating #4 into my communication style, but I will now. Thank you.
Hi Patrina,
Thanks for the comment! I think it’s the difference between an open door and a “cracked” door, as one of my clients taught me. There’s a difference between being available literally any time, and people knowing that they they are able to schedule a time to chat with you when needed and that your’re “available”. Thanks!