I’ve had the opportunity to work through some very difficult business situations in my career. Through these challenges, I’ve also worked with some very wise counsel to help me think through the solutions along the way. There were times where I was just too close to the problem or couldn’t get my emotions out of the way enough to find an equitable solution, if one existed.
One public relations specialist’s style was particularly interesting and effective as I worked with an attorney and the specialist and myself, brainstorming around a table. The public relations specialist was very quiet as the attorney and I bantered back and forth about solutions, possible drawbacks and stumbling blocks along the way, but when the PR specialist finally spoke, it was with wisdom and well thought out words. This communication approach taught me a great lesson about the importance of using my ears more, and my mouth less. Many times, if we listen 80 percent of the time and speak 20 percent of the time, we will be better communicators and perceived as having more wisdom.
It’s also possible to disagree with someone and still be kind. This seems to be a lost art, as well as listening skills. Great friends can still agree to disagree and fish in the same boat! Anger rarely solves anything; kindness and compassion are likely to lead to better results and it all starts with listening before speaking.
Please read and enjoy this issue of Positively Superior! I’ll try to take my own advice!
Positively,
Jay Ott, Publisher
