What Are You Saying? And What Kind Of Problem Is It Causing You?

Communication either builds or destroys teams. It’s also communication that connects or rejects your audience. And it’s your communication that keeps your mind clear and your heart focused on the big picture and the more important details.

Ultimately, all business is driven by your ability to effectively communicate — there’s no way around this. Your team needs you to communicate your passion as well as their instructions. Your clients need you to communicate what you have and how it’ll change their life. But they are not the only ones that need the communication. You need it too. In fact, you need it first.

Self talk, the first type of communication…

…can derail any dream or business in seconds. So, what are you saying to yourself? And what is it costing you?

When I think of platforms, my mind often goes to the modern take on a throwback fashion from the seventies. [In fact, my favorite summer and winter shoe adds a good 5 inches to my height — thanks to the platform! ]

But that word also creates images of standing on a stage and talking to a room filled with people. I can actually see a woman step up onto the platform and prepare herself to make a point. However,

the platform that matters the most is less about where you stand physically and more about where your ideas stand in the mind of your audience.

When it comes to self communication, your audience is you and your platform is your OWN mind.

So, what are you saying to yourself? 

Of the five core types of communication,  self-talk (intra-personal communication) is the biggest game changer. Long term success begins and ends with your mindset — your internal conversation.  And this fact is why a gritty mindset matters so much.

In fact, the ability to keep going at the point when others would quit is driven by your self talk. And just like your team is motivated (or deflated) by what you say to them, your personal determination is fueled by what you say to yourself.

You need to have a good a conversation…

…with yourself, but start by listening.

So, here’s a quick self-check. When you wake up tomorrow morning. Stop and write down the first 3 things that you thought about. Do the same thing for the next 3 days.

The goal is to notice patterns. Just like the people in your life have things that they routinely talk about, you have things that you routinely say to yourself. You want to pay attention to your routine conversations, and then change what you don’t like. After all, you can change your mind whenever you get ready — yes, it takes effort, but you can do it if you need to and you can make the shift a whole lot faster if you want to).

In fact, your attitude is built on this first type of communication. And it affects your leadership style and the way you use the other four types of communication.

QUICK TIP: Better communication creates a better life 

Besides, a message delivered effectively is one of those things that leaders do. And every dream needs a leader. But leadership has a new shape these days — next time we’ll look at what it really is and how it impacts your message.

— MsJ —