Are you a confident communicator?

Imagine a team where everyone feels heard and valued, where ideas flow freely, and where misunderstandings are quickly resolved. That’s the power of confident communication.

Let's explore why confident communication matters — how it can help manage conflict, foster collaboration, and drive innovation — including practical tips on where confident communication starts and how to handle difficult conversations with ease.

Why Confident Communication Matters

When leaders communicate confidently, they set a tone of openness and respect, which can significantly enhance individual relationships and team dynamics. Here are some specific areas in which confident communication can make a difference:

Managing Conflict

In any workplace, disagreements are inevitable—how we handle them makes all the difference. Confident communicators approach conflicts with a calm and open mindset. They’re able to articulate their viewpoints without sounding defensive or aggressive. This not only diffuses tension but also opens the door to finding common ground and innovative solutions.

Fostering Collaboration

Effective collaboration thrives on open, honest communication. When team members feel confident in sharing their ideas and feedback, it creates an environment of trust and mutual respect. This, in turn, fosters creativity and innovation. Leaders who communicate confidently inspire their teams to do the same, creating a ripple effect that boosts overall productivity and morale.

Encouraging Innovation

Creating a dynamic environment where all voices are heard can lead to breakthroughs and advancements that drive the company forward. Leaders who champion this kind of communication, leading by example in addition to inviting team members to join in, help cultivate a culture where innovation thrives and everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas.

Where Confident Communication Starts

Confident communication starts with a purpose, preferably one intended to foster collaboration and innovation rather than conflict and defensiveness.

When our communication clearly stems from positive intentions, our audience is more likely to receive our message well. Consider starting conversations by demonstrating your purpose. It can be as simple as: “My goal for this conversation is to get on the same page so we can do what we do best.” Not only does this clearly set an intention, but it also communicates confidence in your team’s ability to collaborate and perform well.

By consistently approaching conversations with a positive purpose, we not only enhance our own confidence but also build a more cohesive and innovative team environment.

When You’re Communicating Something Difficult

When you need to communicate something difficult — like addressing poor performance or managing interpersonal conflict — it can be tempting to do so meekly and indirectly as a way to soften the blow or assuage your own guilt. But great leaders can communicate challenging messages gently and with confidence.

My talk, The Art of the Difficult Conversation–one of my most popular–explains how to navigate tense interactions with more ease, confidence, and skill using the following strategies:

1. Unpack the Fear: Recognize and confront the natural tendency to avoid conflict. Instead of creating excuses, acknowledge your fears and where they may come from, and tackle conversations with honesty.
2. Fear-Fact vs. Fear-Fiction: Distinguish between facts and the stories your brain creates to explain experiences. Challenge yourself to focus on what is truly happening, not on imagined scenarios.
3. Do Your Job: Communicate your own thoughts and feelings without predicting the other's reaction. Use "I" statements to express your perspective without putting the other person on the defensive.
4. Don’t Be Sorry: Reserve apologies for instances when they are warranted, but avoid using them as a knee-jerk tactic to reduce your own discomfort. You don’t have to apologize for speaking the truth, as long as you do so with respect and compassion. Unnecessary apologies can weaken communication.
5. Say it, Then Wait: After speaking, give the other person time to process and respond. Respect silence and allow for open dialogue.

By continuously practicing these steps, you can gain muscle memory on navigating difficult conversations with confidence. Click here to download the full guide.

Conclusion

Confident communication is the cornerstone of thriving relationships, whether in professional or personal life. By expressing yourself clearly and with positive intent, you can foster productive conversations while minimizing conflict and defensiveness.

If your team could benefit from my talk on this topic, schedule a call with me here.

#ASKNANCY

Is your inner critic holding you back from your next adventure, job or goal??Got questions about this newsletter, leadership, communication, business, coaching, personal or professional development?

SAVE THE DATE! Join me?Tuesday, August 27th?for #ASKNANCY where I'll be joined by Julia Geisman for a discussion about investing in human capital.

Over the last 30 years, Julia Geisman has been laser-focused on the people side of business to increase individual, team and organizational success. Julia founded HiWorks to solve the persistent problems companies have in attracting, engaging, and retaining people. Throughout her career, Julia has focused on crafting integrated and practical solutions to the complex people-centric problems that create barriers to organizational success. She is a frequent panelist and speaker at national and international conferences, is a coach and trusted advisor to senior executives. She is known for provoking new thinking and her sense of humor.

Have a question you want to submit??Click here?and submit your inquiry anonymously and I'll choose questions at random.

LIVESTREAM LINK: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7227015330861125633/comments/

WORDBURGER

WordBurger is a series of short videos in which I share thoughts, ideas, and reflections meant to motivate, inspire, and entice you to look at things differently, maybe even spark curiosity about what’s possible. The videos are offered with the hope of providing a respite from the stresses of the day, a brief lift above the noise, and a nibble of positivity. Be sure to check out past videos and subscribe to my YouTube channel.??