People Strategy with Melissa: Two Key Tips for Effective Communication

The goal is to communicate to be understood, not just heard. Melissa Thompson recommends adopting these two tips as part of an effective, people-centered communication strategy.

Melissa Thompson, Consultant & Coach at Success Labs

Our consultants are sharing People Strategy tips that are designed to help you Grow Leaders, Build Teams, and Drive Results at your organization. Today Melissa Thompson is diving into Effective Communication.

ADAPT YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE

We sometimes instinctively communicate the way we want others to speak to us. This may feel correct in the moment, but it's not actually empathetic communication... meaning the other person is less likely to fully understand what you're saying. This can become a problem if you are trying to communicate a difficult concept. Instead, spend time learning who your audience is, and how they prefer to be communicated with. This will help you adapt your style to meet THEIR needs, rather than your own. 

DEMONSTRATE ACTIVE LISTENING: WHAT YOU SAY AND DON'T SAY IS IMPORTANT!

Your language, recall, and non-verbal cues show others if you are fully engaged with them and the conversation.

• Ask open-ended questions

• Confirm key points

• Validate good ideas

• Maintain eye contact

• Nod in affirmation

• Thank others for their input

Do you have questions for Melissa about communicating with your team members? Contact Melissa Thompson today to go in-depth about Effective Communication.

Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more than 25 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential, and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.