In this episode of ICommunicate, MindsetGo President and Founder, Mark Altman, helps viewers navigate through the jungle that is conversation intelligence. Learn the art of setting expectations, creating channels to receive and deliver meaningful feedback, and responding to excuses or criticism.

Segment 1:

Assertiveness is a critical aspect of leadership communication when engaging with and influencing peers or direct reports. Learn the downside when leaders don’t take the time to diagnose problems correctly the first time? When your team falls short of expectations, what prevents you from approaching the issue from a different angle? How can we eliminate hesitation and fear, so we stop putting off difficult, but crucial conversations?

Segment 2:

Listening is constantly praised as a critical aspect in communication, yet we often only open our ears to what we want to hear. What’s the difference between listening to understand and listening to respond, and how can that impact our sphere of influence? What are the three necessary ingredients for productive, effective conversations?

Segment 3:

Without taking the precaution to ensure that you will have control over the flow of a conversation, the discussion could easily get derailed and end up becoming unproductive. How can we direct the flow of feedback in order to prevent ourselves from wasting time talking about things that needlessly extend conversations? Why is it essential to approach these conversations using empathy as a tool of influence?

Segment 4:

Leaders are put to the test when a conversation doesn’t go as planned based on their ability to respond and not react or get triggered. How should we respond to employees when they make excuses or deflect conversations?