Leveraging Your Strengths to Have Authentic Communication

In today's interconnected world, the art of conversation is more critical than ever. Whether it's a dialogue with a colleague, a negotiation with a client, or a heart-to-heart with a loved one, the quality of our conversations can profoundly impact our relationships and results. However, we all know that not every conversation goes as smoothly as we'd like. Misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, or simply failing to connect on a human level can lead to unproductive or even negative interactions.

So, how can we elevate our conversations to be more positive, productive, and meaningful? Here's a five-step approach that anyone can apply:

1. Get Clear on your Intention

• Why It's Important: Entering a conversation without a clear goal can lead to confusion and missed opportunities.
• How to Do It: Before the conversation, identify what you want to achieve or your intention for having the conversation. Is it a resolved conflict, a shared understanding, a closed deal?
• Impact: Having a clear goal helps you navigate the conversation strategically, keeping it focused and aligned with the desired outcome.

2. Know Which of Your Strengths Best Supports the Conversation

• Why It's Important: Leveraging your strengths can make the conversation more authentic and effective.
• How to Do It: Reflect on your core strengths, such as empathy, logical thinking, or creativity, and consider how they can be used to foster a successful conversation.
• Impact: By playing to your strengths, you enhance your confidence and ability to connect with others.

3. Guide the Conversation with the Other Person's Strengths in Mind

• Why It's Important: Recognizing and valuing the other person's strengths can create a more collaborative and respectful dialogue.
• How to Do It: Listen actively and observe to identify their strengths. Adjust your approach to align with those strengths, creating synergy.
• Impact: This mutual recognition builds trust and fosters a more engaging and positive conversation.

4. Ask for FeedForward? and Adjust Where Needed

• Why It's Important: Conversations are dynamic, and being adaptable is key to success.
• How to Do It: Periodically ask for feedforward or curious questions, such as “Is this making sense?” or “How do you feel about this approach?” Adjust your delivery based on their responses.
• Impact: This iterative process ensures that you stay aligned and responsive, preventing misunderstandings.

5. Ensure There's a Common Understanding and Define the Next Steps through Accountability

• Why It's Important: A great conversation should lead to actionable insights and a clear path forward.
• How to Do It: Summarize the key points, confirm understanding, and outline any agreed-upon next steps with a clear “by when” timeline.
• Impact: This provides clarity and momentum, making the conversation not just pleasant but productive.

Authentic Communication is not just about talking; it's about listening, connecting, understanding, and moving forward together. By following these five steps, you can transform your conversations into more positive, productive, and meaningful interactions.

These principles apply across various contexts, from business negotiations to personal relationships. Give them a try in your next important conversation, and feel free to share your experiences or insights in the comments.

Need more practice or structured processes to follow in your conversations? Sign up for our Creating Value Through Inclusive Cultures (CVIC)? program, where you will explore Authentic Communication as a team. Learn more at g3works.com/cvic