Are You Up to the Communication Challenge?
Column: Real Stories, Real Solutions
Nov. 01, 2009
From the Nov. 2009 Issue
A silver lining from the economic downturn has been the return of some focus
on customer service and loyalty. All consumers today — individuals and
businesses — scrutinize their choices more closely to ensure they get
value, be it dinner out, a new electronic device or professional services. The
survivors and the winners are those who can showcase what separates them. In
these times, better communication can be a big differentiator.
John, a project manager for a business consulting firm, found that out after
he spent a week out of town at a management leadership workshop. He was having
some challenges with customer satisfaction, although most often the work done
was very good. The workshop covered many of the business situations John had
experienced and recommended using different communication tools and techniques
to help change the outcome. John committed to try them out as soon as he got
back to the office. We’re joining him on his first week back to see how
what he’s learned has changed some of his habits.
THE “NEED TO REMEMBER MY POINT” CHALLENGE:
The last time John met with consultants on a new project, he had been so focused
on a point he had to make that he didn’t hear when everyone agreed to
do their client check-in meeting by phone. John had been trying to encourage
more face-to-face meetings and had totally missed this — a real loss for
the company. John is now determined to use a workshop tip: The simple discipline
of writing down a few words as a reminder frees you back up to be totally engrossed
in the conversation at hand and not distracted trying to remember something.
THE “WAS MY E-MAIL READ THE WAY I MEANT IT?” CHALLENGE:
As he rushed out of town for his workshop, John sent off a quick e-mail to his
assistant, Brad. “Can’t wait to fix what we are doing wrong!!”
When he got back, he found out his comment had been taken as a negative commentary
on Brad, instead of showing his excitement at a new growth area. If face to
face, John would have realized (and clarified) what he meant right then. With
email, you are using less than 10 percent of your communication skills. No wonder
it is challenging. Always re-read your emails, text messages and tweets to make
sure people hear what you really are saying. Punctuation can be vital, too!
|
THE “ELEPHANT ON THE TABLE” CHALLENGE:
John and his team had recognized that one of their client’s team members,
George, was not catching on to the training and slowing progress enough to cause
delays. George was well liked, so everyone was uncomfortable to say what needed
to be said. John had specifically asked about this at the workshop since he
saw firsthand where situations like this often end badly. Early intervention
may be painful in the short term, but it’s usually right for the long
term.
Upon his return, John asked for a private meeting with the client for a project
update. He reviewed the positives and complimented the team, then said there
was one team member challenge — trying to get George up to speed. He asked
the company president for some ideas and came away with some insights that helped
get George over the hump. The technique: open communication.
THE “TIME EXPECTATION” CHALLENGE:
John always has kick-off meetings at the start of every job. This last one was
small, creating a new vendor analysis report. John and the client had agreed
on the layout and investment, so when the client had to reschedule the meeting
he suggested they had what they needed and would get going. Ten days later,
the client called John asking for the report. John thought he had two more weeks,
but that got lost in the lack of communication. John has since revised his templates
so that proposals clarify time frames.
THE “I NEED TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS, WHY DON’T I?” CHALLENGE:
John’s manager asked him for an update on several projects. It was rapid
fire questions, filed in with acronyms and industry jargon. They covered the
“to dos,” including vital changes to a developing project for a
healthcare client. The manager ended with a question: “Everything clear?”
John thought he had it and wanted to appear confident, so he nodded. The nod
later turned into a shake as he read his notes and realized he was not clear
on priorities and who was responsible for each step. He had to set his pride
aside and go back to his manager.
Never again. John’s takeaway from his workshop was the need to get comfortable
enough to ask all the questions you need to know. Now John asks several questions
as he wraps up each meeting: Assignments? Time frames? Responsibilities? Another
plus: With better explained roles, the projects go smoother.
THE “CAN I TAKE CRITICISM?” CHALLENGE:
The final skill John wanted to bring back from his workshop was to help his
team develop the communication art of taking criticism. A culture that learns
this gains an advantage. It is said that a complaint is a gift since you get
a chance to improve, versus not knowing and losing a client. To make people
feel comfortable giving you negative feedback and/or constructive criticism,
you must set your ego aside and be committed to listening.
Never try to justify your actions when someone is sharing this information.
Take it all in, make sure you hear what they say, and validate their feelings:
“I can see how you might feel this way; I understand now how you perceived
the situation.” You can do this without agreeing.
You then want to really evaluate the information. If you change a process based
in part on this feedback or do something differently, be sure to go back to
thank the client and tell them the change you have made as a result. This shows
better than anything else that you really are listening.
These situations are not unique to John; you likely recognize one or two yourself.
If so, remember what John learned about communication techniques. In our new
world, social media and 140-character tweets exemplify how a lot of “communication”
takes place — fast and in short spurts with acronyms.
The true “art” of communication becomes more and more vital at
every opportunity we have. Get tuned into how you are handling these challenges
and become a true artist in communication. Satisfaction and loyalty of clients
and colleagues will be your reward.