Four daily habits for communication mastery.

I have been giving a good deal of thought to the little things we can do each day to grow our communication mastery. Often in my coaching, I encounter the attitude, “I tried that/did that, and it didn’t work.” I seek to challenge this presumption: it is the communication equivalent of giving up driving because you stall the car during your first lesson. Practice brings improvement in many fields, and communication is no exception.

I have compiled a shortlist of four habits that will lead us to strengthened communication skills; the more we put these into practice, the greater the results. To help me remember them, I’ve alliterated them.

Awareness

If I can develop an awareness of which Life Language™ is speaking in each communication, I will grow my skill of applying the four keys for that language to the interaction, improving the outcomes. The principle even applies to my internal communication - my conversations with myself!

Acceptance

As I develop awareness, one of the first challenges it brings is that each communication (and each person) is different. Accepting the person in front of me, and accepting their preferred language at that moment, is the second small but significant habit increasing my communication skill. I can use my energy to communicate with them rather than trying to change them.

Adapt

The most potent daily habit kicks in once I identify and accept another’s preferred language. I can adapt to that language and ensure I communicate with an awareness of what you need and how you need it. It changes everything!

Adjustment

The final habit is one I easily miss! Even with awareness, acceptance, and adaptation, it is rare to get communication right immediately. Adjustment is always needed. I’m now working intentionally to adjust my communication during an interaction for maximum effectiveness.

Now over to you. How will you incorporate these four simple habits into your daily interactions? Your mastery of communication is sure to increase!