Unmasking the Real from the Fake: Identify Genuine Communication
In today’s professional landscape, there is a significant rise in the prevalence of fake communication. We must recognize the value of basics first. Genuine communication goes beyond just spoken English; it demands much more than that.
The Illusion of Awesome Communication!
In the pursuit of better communication, it is essential to remember that it is not solely about speaking. Genuine communication encompasses a range of skills. Merely speaking sophisticated words can create a good initial impression, but without a solid foundation of basic skills, the impact on the audience diminishes, leading to a loss of trust that is difficult to regain.
The Holistic Experience of Communication
Communication is not limited to words alone; it encompasses the overall experience people have with you. Soft skills such as active listening, explaining, non-verbal cues, time management, listener involvement, understanding others’ perspectives, courage to speak from the heart, and humility to admit mistakes are crucial. Sometimes fake communicators may attempt to take credit for your work, making it important to protect yourself as well. However, it is essential to strike a balance between self-protection and over-protection by showing the courage to speak out the truth and mention your points with clarity.
Avoid Assumptions in Effective Communication
Assumptions hinder effective communication. Genuine communicators understand the importance of tailoring their message to suit their audience’s background and knowledge. Fake communicators may rely on assumptions, they lack solid grasp of basics, which ultimately hampers their ability to communicate effectively. A real-life example is my Japanese colleague, who effectively communicates with just one word in broken English, and he could do it by relying on the listener’s background knowledge to understand the intended meaning.
The Power of Deep Dives
Genuine communicators invest time and effort in deep dives. This demonstrates their commitment to improving the level of conversation and is respected by both listeners and observers. By delving deeper into a topic, communicators bring substance and credibility to their message, enhancing its impact and fostering trust.
Balancing Cleverness and Hard Work
Some individuals may try to appear clever by focusing on tasks that require less effort but yield immediate results. While this may seem like a smart move to stand out, but at the same time one must consider the importance of hard workers. It is common for us to lose track of the different types of work performed by different members and undervalue their contributions. Encouraging open communication and recognizing the efforts put into challenging tasks fosters a culture of reciprocity and mutual support.
Discouraging Misinformation and Promoting Honesty
Spreading misinformation and subsequent apologies should be discouraged, as it erodes trust. We should cultivate a culture where all of us feel safe to admit when we do not know anything. Spreading misinformation only increases workload and further erodes trust, making it crucial to prioritize honesty to regain trust.
Actionable: The Key to Genuine Communication
To ensure effective & genuine communication, it is important to clearly convey the “what” and “why” of the message. Genuine communicators provide a summary, key pointers, and actionable takeaways that are well understood and reiterated. Communicators who understand the importance of these elements can translate communication into real actions, maximizing the impact of the conversation.
Avoiding Blabbering: The Courage to Speak with Clarity
It takes courage to communicate with clarity. Many “good communicators” limit themselves to blabbering, and repeating information without making much sense. Genuine communicators aim to come forward with key pointers, delivering a concise and focused message that saves the listener’s time and ensures effectiveness.
Empathy with Substance: Balancing Efficiency and Kindness
While empathy is important, it should not come at the expense of efficiency. Genuine communicators understand that true empathy involves imparting real knowledge to listeners, even if it means addressing their mistakes. Being kind means being honest and helping others grow, rather than simply being nice and promoting inefficiencies. To build a strong bond, empathetic communicators have to be comfortable in speaking out the truth, even when it is difficult.
Identifying genuine communication is crucial for fostering trust, collaboration, and success. A genuine communicator understands the importance of basic knowledge, avoiding assumptions, deep dives, hard work, discipline, ethics, kindness, curbing the spread of misinformation, focusing on actions, and respecting time. Let’s create an environment that promotes authentic and genuine communication!
