Focus on the audience. Lead with empathy. Ask great questions. That’s how my guest this episode, Juli Lassow, describes a great communicator. Juli spent 17 years at Target in progressively responsible leadership roles in sourcing, inventory management and buying. So, if you’ve ever gone into target for just a few things and came out with an overflowing cart, Juli is part of the reason for that. In this episode we chat about the importance of providing context for your questions, the difference between sympathy and empathy, and how to establish powerful partnerships. 

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond
► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/
► Connect with Juli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julilassow/
► Learn more about Juli’s work athttps://www.jhl-solutions.com
► Subscribe to the podcast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/
► Learn more about Communispond: https:www.communispond.com

Key Moments:

The importance of effective communication and empathy in building partnerships (00:03:08) Juli discusses the role of communication and empathy in establishing strong partnerships and being an effective communicator.

Tailoring messages to fit the audience and testing for understanding (00:04:21) Juli talks about the importance of tailoring messages to the audience, listening effectively, and asking questions to ensure understanding.

The essential communication skills needed in the workplace (00:06:43) Juli highlights the need for effective cross-functional collaboration, understanding perspectives, and practicing business empathy in delivering complex retail experiences.

Leading with Empathy and Effective Communication (00:07:59) The importance of leading with empathy and effective communication in building strong partnerships, especially in complex retail organizations.

Creating an Environment for Input and Decision-making (00:09:48) The struggle of accepting input and feedback, creating an environment for input, making appropriate decisions, and effectively communicating the decision and the why behind it.

Openness and Transparency in Business Partnerships (00:11:28) The significance of openness, transparency, and communication in maintaining successful business partnerships, both internally within an organization and externally with suppliers and manufacturers.

The importance of adding context (00:16:07) Adding context to questions helps clarify and expand the conversation, building trust and transparency.

The influence of empathy on communication style (00:17:57) Brené Brown's teachings on empathy have had a significant impact on understanding and forming deep connections in communication.

Advice for developing communication skills (00:21:58) Show empathy for your audience, ask the right questions, and lean into your authentic communication style to connect meaningfully with others.

The importance of authentic communication (00:24:28) Discussion on the importance of being true to oneself and finding one's own communication style to effectively connect with others.