I believe it is universal that we want better results in our professional and personal lives. I am not sure if this is just a capitalistic view of the world, but it seems to me that it feels really good to do GREAT WORK. Plus it feels even better to do it the first time or quicker than expected. If you are with me so far, then I will carry on.
It might be obvious to many of you that there is a connect between communication and results. But for those that do not see it right away, let’s build that connection. Taking “action” on a project or task leads to results. Actions are preceded by “commitments”. And commitments are defined in “communication”. This is a simple view of how communicating commitments shape actions that lead to results.
An example would be delegating a task to a team member or employee that you expect to be done. It might go like this “Can you update your status report for me?” This is a common request in the business world, right? But does this example express the level of commitment by the listener. Also is it completely clear on the “results” of this request such as conditions of satisfaction or request time. If there is any breakdown between the steps between communication, commitment, actions and results, then the speaker in this example is unlikely to get the results they want. This example is simple and yet it allows us to see that the more clear the communication, the more likely that the desired results will be achieved.
This is a really BIG topic and my intention is not to solve the communication issue in this post, but to share with you the link to better results in our professional and personal lives is better communication. I am working on this all the time at work and at home, especially with my toddler. In some ways, I feel like I am clearer with my son than anyone else because I do not make any assumptions that he already knows the background and context within the communication. In my professional life, I strive to be clear in the words I use as well as determine how the message lands on the listener to see if there is a “shared commitment” to the desired results.
So if you want better results in your life, one place to start is looking for ways to improve your communication.