How do you foster a culture of trust and collaboration in your communication network?

Too many people wait to speak again so that they are not listening. It is imperative to listen and digest what one is hearing BEFORE responding.

Listening is a skill--it can be learned and it needs to be practiced. People want to know you have genuinely listened, not just heard their words. True collaboration is only possible when we listen to one another and are open to great ideas from anywhere.

Foster communication by asking questions! It's not all about the ping pong of statements. When we ask questions, we demonstrate interest and foster collaboration. "Tell me more about..." is a great starter. "Why?" can lead to fascinating conversations and nurture trust in relationships and organizations.

I've worked as a Social Media Specialist for some time, and adaptability is probably the most important thing to build into your work process. When I start a new position and at the start of every year, I read about what social media platforms are prioritizing with their algorithms and that is the foundation for my entire social media strategy. You have to be open to constantly be rethinking your strategy. Additionally, your audience is fluid, as well. From national franchises to local cover bands, I've been a part of too many teams that lock themselves into messaging because it's worked for them in the past because "that's what our audience wants/expects." There's a balance between driving your mission and listening to your audience.

This can be as simple as calling in a food truck a few times a year. Ice cream trucks are very well received and not expensive at all. Not everything has to be a large production.

Communication takes courage - especially to navigate alternative points of view with strong personalities. In the last year, I have retreated from some collaborative creative communities that have become uncomfortable, especially when one peer dominates in a questioning (interrogation-type) tone. Communication takes courage. Courage takes both energy and conviction to speak up bravely. I have felt the fatigue of our times and am not always energized enough to engage the dominant peer when I have been in the hot seat. "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" ~Anais Nin My commitment - the courage to choose the company I keep. Set expectations, Speak up, Ask, "Is this community/company worth the energy?"

Building trust and respect takes time and consistent, deliberate actions preceeded by open and authentic communications. Communications without any follow-through is not effective and can even result in distrust. Hence: 1. Be authentic in your communications to your stakeholders: Have difficult conversations, dare to be honest and yet strategic, get feedback and improve. In a world of scripted, monotone or pre-empted messages, an authentic tone is refreshingly effective. 2. Follow-through with actions: Have a high "say/do ratio," be sure to fulfil your promises and follow-through consistently after communications, as required. It is a sure-shot way to build trust.