Business Communication -
is it a game?

by Andrew Bryant
Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer

You have difficulty communicating with someone at work. How do you address this issue and explain why?

This is not an exam question or picked from an interview but a question from a fun new boardgame designed to create effective communication in the workplace.

Unlike most games where there are winners and losers; in business communication the ideal is to create a win-win. The challenge has always been how to create an environment of open and honest communication and be able to give 'ineffective communicators' feedback without creating hostility or resentment. This is no longer a challenge.

Last year I was approached to review Attitude Express a new group communication tool for business; I was immediately impressed and after testing have decided to offer this exciting invention as a fun and interactive workshop.

Imagine a team of managers (or any staff for that matter) playing a game, having fun, interacting and learning about each other's communication strengths and weaknesses. Each player, in turn, picks a card with a realistic business situation (like the opening question in this article) and trys to communicate how he or she would act, or elicit from the other players what they would do and then summarise. The other players score for effectiveness, clarity and succinctness. The facilitator sets the frames for how the game is played, adjudicates and debriefs the learnings at the end.

Once your team has attended a workshop the game can be used again and again to ensure continued effective communication. You will be amazed, as I was, of how quickly players gain awareness and then flexibility with their communication styles. Click here to find out more or book your workshop...

Continue...

Featured Partner

BNI Singapore and Self Leadership International announce a Strategic Alliance between the two organisations. BNI, the world's largest referral organization and Self Leadership International have recently agreed to a reciprocal referral relationship between the organisations. Log on to www.bni.com.sg for more information.

Benchmarking Communication

Still on the subject of communication, I thought it would be useful to share with you another tool - benchmarking. Benchmarking allows us to gauge our competency with various skills and behaviours.

Below is one of the communication benchmarks that we use within our Leadership 360 Executive Coaching Program. Read the descripitions and self-assess from 0-5 how well you are communicating. Now print this off and give it to a colleague or spouse and let them tell you how good you really are!

5. Consistently creates clear images in the mind/s of the listener/s that succinctly states with precision the next step and calls for action.

4. Builds rapport with individuals or group and communicates information with precision in ways that overcome resistance.

3. Able to put information across in ways that approximate the listeners mental map, but not always clear or precise.

2. Speaking often from own point of view. Not very descriptive. Assuming understanding.

1. Wordy, uses fluffy language. Lack of descriptions or points of reference. Speaks only from own point of view.

0. Creates no new understanding and may even confuse or antagonise the listener.

Click here to find out more about Leadership 360...

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