How many times have you said to yourself … They just aren’t getting what I’m trying to say? Or otherwise felt you weren’t being heard?
Perhaps they weren’t and you weren’t!
There are numerous factors that could be affecting whether or not you are being heard. Some are within your control and others are completely out of your control.
Timing is everything
There are moments when the timing is just not right. It happens. Try to make adjustments so that your message can be heard in the way you want it to be delivered.
When you can control the timing and can influence other factors (such as environment, location, time of day, energy levels, interest level, etc.) you owe it to your audience to do your best and to insure your delivery has the best chance to be heard.
Delivery is important
For example, if you have Fire in your Eyes or are Raising your Voice you can almost be assured that your message WILL NOT be heard. Why? Because although your passion is coming through it’s not likely that your message is. The likelihood of being heard drops dramatically when your emotions are driving the conversation.
Being heard
The goal is to insure you are being heard. Taking the time to understand and listen to other persons (or parties) is important.
When listening:
- Repeat back what you heard to insure sure you truly understand their point of view.
- Don’t try and convince them of your POV … until you’ve heard theirs.
- Focus on listening to their point of view and giving it the respect and consideration it deserves.
- This is YOUR opportunity to insure THEY are being heard.
Remember — If you want to effect change you need to be heard.
Really being heard
When you are being heard your authenticity will come through. Your relationships will be enhanced and when done right your communication skills will precede you.
Remember: To Effect Change … You Need to be Heard
Author:
Jeff is a veteran in the Enterprise Content Management industry. Over the past 20 years he has worked with customers and partners to design, develop and deploy solutions around the world. Jeff is currently the Director of Strategic Alliances at Winshuttle. He has worked for Microsoft, FileNet (IBM), K2, Captaris, Open Text, Kofax and Kodak. He speaks and blogs about ECM and the Intersection between Social, Mobile and Cloud Computing.
