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.

Blog pull quote

Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content Blog content

Subscribe to Anne's Resilience Reset Email!

Anne breaks down the daily habits and skills needed to grow and cultivate RESILIENCE.

Having friendships and a sense of belonging is considered a core psychological need and has a big impact on our physical and mental health.

In fact, it has been proven that social connection is one of the best predictors of longevity, which is why I`ve dedicated an entire module in the Resilience Reset Deep Dive to the importance of social connection to build resilience. Learn more 👉👉👉 https://www.annegradygroup.com/deepdive/

Here`s what my girls Wendy and Daisy have taught me about the importance of connection 🎥
...

Let’s face it - life is stressful. The lines between our personal and professional lives have blurred, we are overwhelmed by increased workloads and decreased resources, and there is an unprecedented amount of change and uncertainty.

Uncertainty often leads to anxiety because the brain tends to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. You can help your brain cope with anxiety by practicing these skills 👇

1️⃣ Cultivate a Growth Mindset
2️⃣ Practice Mindfulness
3️⃣ Control the controllables
4️⃣ Break it down
5️⃣ Maintain Healthy Habits

More tips and strategies are in this month’s blog post. The link is in my bio!
...

Did you know that resilient teams have:

⭐️ 74% less stress AND 75% greater productivity
⭐️ Higher engagement and performance
⭐️ Improved Innovation and creativity
⭐️ Stronger relationships & Greater well-being

Using the latest research in neuroscience and psychology, the Resilience Reset Deep Dive provides a road map to developing resilient leaders, teams, and organizations. Interested in learning more? Here`s a sneak preview of one of the modules. 🎥👀
...

#ThrowbackThursday to a Tiger King Halloween 🐯 ...

Realistic optimism is a mindset that combines a positive outlook with a grounded understanding of reality. It involves maintaining hope and confidence while acknowledging and accepting the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Rather than denying or minimizing difficulties, approach situations with resilience, flexibility, and a belief in your ability to navigate obstacles effectively. You’ve got this. #mindfulmonday
...

We’ve all had those days where everything seems to go wrong. You wake up late, your coffee spills and your car won’t start. It’s easy to let a lousy morning spiral out of control and ruin your entire day.

Wherever we direct our attention becomes our reality. In other words, we find what we look for. Here are 3 things you can do to create a bad moment boundary:

1️⃣ Accept It: The sooner you can give it a quick “It is what it is” label, the better.

2️⃣ Put It in a Box: You can revisit the box later, but for now, the box holds this experience, and you don’t need to carry it.

3️⃣ Reset: Rather than jump into the next task or activity, take three deep breaths, extending the exhale.

For weekly resilience-building tips, tools, and strategies, sign up for my newsletter here 👇
https://www.annegradygroup.com/strong/

*Link is also in my bio*
...

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.

Read Up on Resilience!

Anne’s Books Available on Amazon.com!

ANNE GRADY IS A SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND #TRUTHBOMB DROPPER!

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.

MAIN OFFICE
(512) 821-1111
BILLING & MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 5815  |  ROUND ROCK, TEXAS  |  78683

2 Comments

  1. 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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment