Communication. If you work with a group of people in a church, non-profit, or business, you will hear repeatedly about challenges related to “communication.” Communication regarding marketing. Communication regarding the promotion of your church or organization. Communication between executives and staff members. Communication between departments. Communication with customers. The list goes on and on. I received a question recently from a staff member about improving communication between fellow staff members within the organization. I shared some thoughts in a staff meeting and believe it might be helpful to you in your work. I will share this in two parts over the next two weeks. Here is the question and four of the eight suggestions I provided:
Question: How do I get someone to see my point of view without making an immediate judgment? How do I get others to “see what I see” so that better decisions can be made?
- Build your own credibility by attending to the quality of your own work. A person who has a reputation for a high level of productivity is more likely to get their idea across than the person who is viewed as lazy, low-energy, apathetic, or less competent. Your ideas will lack credibility if you are not doing a great job with what you have been assigned. Seek to be an all-star at your work and you can rest assured that co-workers and leaders want to hear your ideas and your point of view.
- Build trust through strengthening relationships. I listen closely to those I trust. The same is true for you and for the person that you want to listen to your point of view. How do you build trust? It comes down to the depth of the relationship. It is important that you spend casual time getting to know your co-workers and leaders. Care about people personally and they are more inclined to hear what you have to say. Spend time purposefully building relationships with those you serve or work with in anticipation that you will want to share ideas, strategies, suggestions, and challenges. Their ear will be as large as your personal relationship is strong.
- Give the data and empirical evidence if available. Everyone has an opinion and they are certainly entitled to it. However, that does not mean the opinion has any value. Be sure you know the facts, and when you can share objective data to support your point of view, you will increase the credibility of your suggestions and ideas.
- For your supervisor or someone in authority, “nudge but don’t nag.” It is important to take stock of who you are dealing with. If the person you want to express your idea to is a person in authority, you can do your reputation more harm than good if you push too hard. Remember also that when you present an idea to a supervisor, and if he or she receives it, you own it. That means you have (extra) work to do. However, if you are a productive team member, that results in motivation for you rather than fear.
Stay tuned for more next week and this information will maximize your leadership.