To Effect Change… You Need to be Heard

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.

Picture of Jeff Shuey

Jeff Shuey

Jeff is an expert in the Enterprise Content Management industry. He brings over 20 years of Channel Sales, Partner Marketing and Alliance expertise to audiences around the world in speaking engagements and via his writing. He has worked for Microsoft, Kodak, and K2. He is currently consulting with Microsoft and partners to drive Community Engagement and Alliances. Follow him on Twitter @jshuey or on LinkedIn: in/JeffShuey

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

5 things only introverts find exhausting, according to psychology

5 things only introverts find exhausting, according to psychology

The Vessel

People who lack mental stimulation in their relationship often display these 9 subtle behaviors

People who lack mental stimulation in their relationship often display these 9 subtle behaviors

Global English Editing

10 signs you have a high IQ (even if you don’t feel smart)

10 signs you have a high IQ (even if you don’t feel smart)

The Blog Herald

7 inspiring traits of people who have the rare ability to laugh at themselves in embarrassing situations

7 inspiring traits of people who have the rare ability to laugh at themselves in embarrassing situations

The Blog Herald

People who can’t stand receiving voice messages (instead of text) usually have these 7 traits

People who can’t stand receiving voice messages (instead of text) usually have these 7 traits

NewsReports

These four Zodiac signs will experience a major turning point before the end of this month

These four Zodiac signs will experience a major turning point before the end of this month

Parent From Heart

Subscribe to receive our latest articles!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from Personal Branding Blog straight to your inbox.