Before I tell you about the ‘perfect communication’, let’s have a quick chat about ambition…
Now, as we all know, ambition is a good thing.
But what’s the right amount of it?
Too little ambition, and you might never achieve anything. Or you might be overtaken by less-capable people who have more ambition than you.
But too much ambition, and your desire to improve your future might mean that you ignore – and don’t enjoy – the present. We’ve all met people striving for the Next Big Thing, and missing out on the beautiful things they have in their lives now.
Another example: what about patience? What’s the right amount of that?
Too little patience, and you might become irritable – frustrated by everyone’s slowness and uselessness.
But too much, and you patiently wait for … well, nothing to happen. And, again, you’ll be overtaken by less-patient people who move quicker than you.
Both ambition and patience are like Goldilocks’s favourite temperature for porridge. She wanted it not too hot, not too cold … she wanted it ‘just right’.
And we want the ‘just right’ amount of ambition, and patience…
… And it’s the same with communication. What’s the ideal amount of it?
Too little, and there’s no direction, no engagement, no camaraderie, no fun.
But too much, and it’s painful, overbearing, tedious micromanagement.
So how do we get our communications ‘just right’? How do you ensure you communicate in the way that others want?
There’s only one way to find out…
Ask them
Ask your important colleagues and customers:
- How often do they want to hear from you?
- What’s their preferred method of communication?
- What topics do they want to hear more/less/nothing about, from you?
- How can you make their lives easier, by adjusting your communication?
We all want to have the ‘just right’ amount of ambition, patience, communication skill…
… which means that – for communication” – we have to ask others what is ‘just right’ for them.
Action Point
Next time you’re with an important colleague/customer, ask them if they’d like you to change anything about how you communicate with them. The four questions above are a good way to start.
Any answer they give is great. If they ask you to do something differently, that means you’ll be better next time. And if they reply ‘Don’t change a thing. You’re epic’ – well, that’s OK, too!