Active listening for effective communication

Managing and communicating well is greatly dependent on listening. Not just ordinary, everyday listening but intentional, active listening. It turns out that when we are listening there is an 8 second buffer at work. In other words, we can be watching tv or doing something and someone can be speaking to you. You may not… Continue reading Active listening for effective communication

Dáil committees blow their Perry Mason moment

And so, we have had the spectacle of the Dáil committees questioning Tubridy, Kelly, and RTE management over the last couple of weeks. Members of these committees had their Perry Mason and Rumpole of the Bailey opportunities and cast them aside like mob bosses at a strip club. Playing to the gallery-that is, their parish,… Continue reading Dáil committees blow their Perry Mason moment

Managing and communication-the stunning power of asking questions

The person asking the questions is in control in a relationship. Asking questions is far more effective than making declarative statements. Good questions are closely connected to listening. When you see what the other person is looking at, what facts and circumstances they believe, then you can understand them. Nobody says or does something stupid… Continue reading Managing and communication-the stunning power of asking questions

The structure of communication to aid a shared objective

One effective way to structure communication and ensure you can persuade is to use four stages: These four steps allow you to bring the other person through certain steps to arrive at a shared solution or answer. This allows you both to be on the same side. The alternative is to impose an answer from… Continue reading The structure of communication to aid a shared objective

Influence and shared objectives-lessons from John Kiely and Jim Gavin

A key factor in the building of influence and being able to persuade others, to lead, is to have shared objectives. This is the team ethic. Allowing other people to be part of a bigger dream is immensely powerful. You will always hear successful sports people speaking about how being part of the team and… Continue reading Influence and shared objectives-lessons from John Kiely and Jim Gavin