R is for Relationships

Posted June 2nd, 2016 by Carroll King Schuller

Do you realize that everything works around relationships?

As a coach, that becomes so much of what we work on in meetings as we move along. It is not that we are so bad at them, but we often don’t realize what is actually happening. “Who is doing what to whom?” There are actually more than two people in any conversation, email exchange or text when you consider how the aftereffects of that conversation, in turn, affect all of your other relationships, including intimate ones and a few not-so-close ones. Depending on how the person on the receiving end of the conversation hears what was said, we have a full blown exchange or a “missed baseball”. That baseball affects everyone…the catcher, your other team members, the coach, the opposite team members, and everyone the person sees when they arrive home. If we have to think about that every time we speak, it would take a lot of time.

You have to be smart about how you play. Of course, there are variables that change on the receivers’ end, so nothing is ever perfect.

So how does all of this affect your communication practices in your workplace? The following 5 items are good to keep in mind:

1. If you screwed up, follow up…and fast.
2. Know your audience.
3. Know who their friends are, and understand how to stay in touch with them.
4. If possible, limit written communication and connect with your co-workers in person.
5. Be sincere, and understand the widespread impact of what you are saying.

As corny as it sounds, love your audience. Unless your workplace is the boxing ring, avoid aggressive and defensive as a rule…and if that’s how you’re feeling in the moment, leave it for tomorrow and try again.