This video is about one aspect of our Accountability Method we call Reflection. When trying to convey an idea, reflection is a technique for getting back a comment about how your audience understood your message.
Effective communication is measured by what people heard and remember, and not by what you think you said. People always act on their understanding of a message. So, reflection gives you a window into what they are actually taking away.
Here are a few ways of getting reflection:
We feel this first one, although direct, is a little demeaning, particularly to smart and capable people.
• Ask something like, “What did I just say?”
Did you feel a little insulted by that question? I felt a little insulting by asking it.
This second question has a much greater basis in emotional intelligence. It shows vulnerability by raising the possibility that I didn’t convey my idea very clearly in the first place.
• “I know what I meant to say just now, but what exactly did you hear?”
Vulnerability according to The Table Group, is a conduit to trust; and trust is the foundation of all successful relationships. We like this way of checking-in far better than the first one.
Here’s a still better emotionally intelligent way for getting reflection:
• “You know we discussed a lot of things during this meeting, but what are the action items we’re taking away today? What are we going to do as a result of what was said?”
The better you become at getting reflection on the front end of project planning, the better results you will see during the course of the project.
As always, we’re here to offer you quick, concise ways to improve your business, your communications, and your results.
To see our book and how people like New York Times best-selling author Marshall Goldsmith have responded to it, please click on this link: Dynamic Results Book Page.
Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you soon.
Thank you, we look forward to hearing your thoughts. Let us know how you are doing.
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