Communication: The Common Thread

This week I had a wonderful conversation with a Human Resources Business Partner for a large global organization.   It was a delightful discussion because we both run on optimism for idea generation and strategies.  I adored the jovial conversation and mutual respect.  To me, the joy in conversation brings learning to a new height.

As we were solving the business world issues, it was decided that the common denominator was “communication”.   How we interact and engage each day is interpreted and understood differently for many, many reasons.  Nothing new to share but often overlooked.  Differences such as the geographic footprint of global versus US, education and training, traditional roles compared to current, colleague to colleague, leader to leader, leader to staff, gender, personality, and of course age!

The most important part is the human equation.  Everyone is unique and different.  The challenge is helping people to be receptive to listening.  Let’s face it, you are not going to change personality.  Understanding those personality traits especially those different from yours will make a difference.  It’s not easy to see a situation from another person’s viewpoint.

It was agreed that teaching your team to pause, listen, ask “why” or share “why” is an important part of improving communication among teams.  We also agreed that helping people find the “what’s in it for me” will help them be more open and receptive to change.

This applies not just to team interaction but to program delivery, utilization, and adoption as well. An employee benefits program is a good example.  Insurance can be complicated especially if you don’t use it often. Helping the employee know “why” a program may suit their personal lifestyle is key.

For team interaction, leadership coaching is an excellent approach.  Coaching using an impartial teacher will build confidence in the “why” team engagement is different for all members, thus allowing new insight and pathways to improvement.

The good news is there is no right or wrong personality trait. Our human job is to learn, understand, and respect each trait and build that into our communication.

“You be you!”  I respect you and you respect me.  Let’s be mindful in our communication.

 

• Population Health Data Analytics
• Self Funding
• Strategic and Innovative Design Analysis
• Communication