Can we talk?

I just learned an important lesson about being a great trainer. I was at a dinner party with people who I never met before. There was a guest who took over the conversation. At first I thought that he was charming with his stories and jovial personality. It didn’t take long to read the body language of the other table mates. They were fidgeting in their chairs, coughing a lot, and I realized that I was NOT alone. This was a great opportunity for me to do something different in this situation…listen and not say anything.

I decided NOT to interrupt or change the subject like I usually do when others take over a conversation. I listened and asked myself if I was this kind of communicator. I asked people who knew me (a few days after this party) and they all said the same thing. “Joyce, you are a great listener and at times you do like to fill the silence.”

What did Joyce learn?

This feedback was very helpful to me. Hey, I suggest that others ask for feedback and I better do the same thing. Here is the lesson. I decided to try something new in my next training session to a group of very open and delightful sheriffs. They still heard my stories about Resolving Conflict in the Workplace. BUT, I asked them to discuss their workplace conflict issues longer than I usually do.

Miracle of miracles…the feedback from the session was the best that I ever received in 30 years of training. All I did was stop talking as much as I usually do and give participants longer time to share their suggestions in small groups.

Do you know someone who needs to develop his or her career?

Do know of colleagues or employees who would benefit from working with me on improving their communication?  Do you want to grow within your career?  Click here to find out what it is costing you NOT communicating with impact.  This Master E Course, “Top Level Leader Tune-Up:  Communicate with Impact” has a money back guarantee.  My clients stay connected with me for 2 months via email to resolve conflict in their workplace.  The Results speak for themselves.  

How about you?

Do you take over at meetings or let others take over? Pay attention to your own communication style during your next meeting. Do something totally different…either talk more or listen better. Then ask trusted colleagues how you can improve as a communicator. You will probably hear some great suggestions. Of course this is not the time to get defensive. Be open and continue breaking your comfort zone.

Let me know what you learn about yourself. The next time that you are at a party, sit back and read others who are either bored or tuned out when a strong talker takes over. Have fun and ask yourself some important questions to evaluate your own communication. Be a super model for your team and show others how to listen better, ask questions, or participate. OK, it’s your turn. I’m listening and want to hear what you learned about yourself.

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”
Zen Saying

Want to Use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?

Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com

Visit her website at www.JoyceWeiss.com to sign up for your own FREE video series on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace.

Was this helpful?

Please send me any comments that you may have for this article. Hit the link at the end of this post to share your ideas or questions. Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts to reduce conflict at the workplace and home. There may be someone in your life who is feeling stressed out…who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Conflict Resolution Consultant

I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…

The Result? My clients get a better night’s sleep!

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

P.S.  Do know of colleagues or employees who would benefit from working with me on improving their communication?  Do you want to grow within your career?  Click here to find out what it is costing you NOT communicating with impact.  This Master E Course, “Top Level Leader Tune-Up:  Communicate with Impact” has a money back guarantee.  My clients stay connected with me for 2 months via email to resolve conflict in their workplace.  The Results speak for themselves.