– Authentic Communication

Speed is the operative word.  We move fast, think fast, and talk fast.  In the business world, between racing to appointments and meeting all the deadlines, there’s not a moment to slow down, let alone have a heart-to-heart.  Our need for speed translates to impersonal touch-and-go conversations that dominate our communication. 

Fallout from touch-and-go communication is serious:  frustration, lack of clarity, and no sense of connectedness.  At the same time there’s a discouraging feeling of spinning your wheels or worse, re-inventing the wheel!  For today’s business leaders it’s a recipe for disaster; change is needed but in which direction do you look for it?

“The pace of your work environment may not change any time soon, but your communication style can,” says Sue Bethanis, Founder/CEO of Mariposa Leadership, Inc.  She goes on to add that, “Leaders must learn to become conversational opportunists.  They need to master the art of turning fleeting moments into opportunities for true dialogue.”  Bethanis, author of Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage, says that, “A leader’s mindset determines how he or she communicates with others.  True sages understand that curiosity and intentionality are key components to authentic communication …especially in fast paced times.”  Bethanis shares three keys to help you communicate more authentically:

• Stay Curious and Present – Staying curious means staying engaged.  And engagement is a critical goal for successful leaders.
• Be Opportunistic - Know exactly what you want to achieve if the moment presents itself.  This lets you turn back-burner thoughts into front-burner dialogues.
• Remain Intentional – Keep focused on the conversation at hand.  With everyone’s time so limited, your conversations need to be clear and concise.

Leaders are the catalysts that drive communication in today’s speed driven times.  Getting behind the wheel and being a conversational opportunist will help you achieve the results that you want and that your business needs!