Winging It Won't Work

Do you ever feel that practicing your communication skills is just way too much? Like it's something you'd rather avoid because it's awkward or unnecessary? You are not alone.

I know the idea of role plays and feedback sessions can feel super daunting. And how often have you heard the good ol, "isnt this just for salespeople?" But the reality is, we all know and appreciate people who are great communicators.

But why do so many resist practicing this skill? Is it fear of judgement, dont like getting feedback, dont like giving feedback or just feel like its a distraction from 'real' work.

Here's what I've discovered:

• Leaders set the tone: Developing communication skills isn't just about ticking a box and sending your team to a course. It's about leaders creating a culture where learning, unlearning and relearning is embraced. It's about making it okay to step out of your comfort zone and into growth.
• Real-World Practice Matters: Don't waste time on scenarios that don't matter or even worse on scenarios that are utopia. Focus on the real challenges you see/hear/feel/face every day. This makes the practice relevant and far more effective.
• It's NOT a TEST: Shift the mindset. Practicing your communication skills isn't a test of your ability, it's a tool to help you and those around you grow. And this for starts with leaders, they have to encourage this mindset to shift from anxiety to skill development.

Winging it only gets you so far. It's about finding that balance between confidence and competence. Building your competence is what's going to enhance your ability to connect, influence and get results. It's also the safety net for days when your confidence just isn't there.

If you've made it this far, you'll love the podcast episode i did with Johnny Lee who is the founder and CEO of EnableIQ . We had a very candid chat about the mental roadblocks that often hold people back, shared practical ways to overcome them and discussed the critical role leadership plays in fostering a culture of growth and personal development. Plus, Johnny is one of the best sales coaches I've had a chance to connect with and learn from.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the podcast.