I recently read an interview with Rudy Karsan, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kenexa, which appeared in the April 2010 issue of Smart Business Philadelphia. He was talking about leadership and communication.
Karsan said, “The single biggest mistake I see leaders making is that they view communication as a one-way street. When you are talking or writing, the question that people ask themselves is, ‘How can I say this in the best possible way?’ But, if you replace the question with, ‘How can the recipient hear this in the most effective way?’ you might have a different answer.”
He further stated, “All communication is driven by two things: a rational component and an emotional component. If you can attach both components in a bandwith that is tied into the receiver, who is receiving information in a manner that is most effective and efficient for them, then you are the most successful.”
I love it!
It’s just what I focus on when I coach leaders within organizations.
When we do our training around presentation skills, we say that speaking needs to be audience-centered to be successful.
What are some things to keep in mind in the communication process?
- What’s in it for the listener?
- How does this person take in information?
- What are the trigger words that will impact this person positively or negatively?
- What words need to be clarified?
- What tone is best to use?
- How can I initiate questions and conversation?
These are all important questions to remember — presentation skills/behaviors that be learned.
My hat is off to Rudy Karsan, and to Kenexa. No wonder it is a successful company!