During your next 1 on 1

This week, the Daily Tip is covering Susan Scott’s five suggestions for clear communication during one-on-one work meetings, which by the way, work great with personal conversations as well!

In The Experience Economy, B. Joseph Pine II wrote, “The experience of being understood, versus interpreted, is so compelling, you can charge admission.”

Suggestion #3: Be here prepared to be nowhere else

In your one-one-ones, are you too polite, self-conscious, or PC?

When we’re unconscious, we end our conversations as soon as we initiate them, too afraid of what we might hear.

“How’s the project going?”

“Great.”

“Good to hear. Nice talk.”

No one is asking. No one is listening.

No one engages. Nothing changes.

The antidote?

Being present, quiet, focused on the other person’s feelings and needs will help you sense when a conversation is needed.

If you or the other person wonders if a conversation is needed, it probably is.

In your next one-on-one, turn off your screens. Close your laptop. Or if it’s virtual, eliminate the buzzes, alarms, pings, dings, and distractions. Close the door. Tell the kids you need to focus.

Make a physical space so you can be present, and engage fully.

Tomorrow, we’ll get into how to get the other person to open up.

Adapted from Fierce Conversations, by Susan Scott.