Episode: 535

Episode Title: Communicate To Win

Communication is probably the number-one professional skill that employers are desperate to find. So why is it in such short supply? Next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 535 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate today! The ability to express yourself articulately—and listen attentively when others do so—is needed across all fields, in all roles, at all times. Honesty, clarity, tact, and persuasion: these are all components of great communication. 

And they all require a level of wisdom and self control, which probably explains why great communicators are so hard to find. Many programs teach communication as just a technique, when really it’s a character issue as well. 

So how do you become a better communicator? Surprisingly, the first step is not to talk more, but to listen more. It’s been said that God gave us two ears, but only one mouth. Great communicators realize communication is a two-way street. 

Great communicators also make a habit of thinking before they speak. Yeah, this is a hard one! But giving ourselves a minute to marshal our thoughts and regulate our emotions can really help get the message across that we want to convey. This takes practice and I know it’s something I’ll be working on for probably the rest of my life. But it’s so valuable. 

Here are some questions we can ask ourselves: are we clear in how we communicate with others? Or are we often muddled and repetitive in how we talk and write? How carefully do we listen to others? These are great questions for all of us to reflect on. 

Thanks for tuning into The Perna Syndicate this week! We’re not done with the professional skills that contribute to a winning attitude, so join me back here on the show next week for more. See you then!