The Uncommon Communicator

Concise communication is one that effectively conveys the intended message using a minimum of words or information, without sacrificing clarity or essential details.

 It is characterized by brevity, precision, and the ability to deliver the message succinctly, leaving no room for confusion or unnecessary elaboration.

 Concise communication captures the essence of the message, distilling it down to its most vital components, making it easily understandable and digestible for the audience.

Why?

In today’s world brevity wins. Attention spans are shorter than ever. 

I actually heard this this week: “ I guess what I’m trying to say is…” I think in this case I knew better what this person was trying to say then they did themselves.  

To make communication more concise, here are five key points to keep in mind:

1.    Identify your main message: Determine the core message or purpose of your communication. Clearly define what you want to convey or achieve, and focus on that central point throughout your communication.

2.    Eliminate unnecessary information: Review your content and remove any irrelevant or redundant details. Stick to essential information that directly supports your main message. This helps to streamline your communication and prevent information overload.

3.    Use clear and concise language: Opt for simple and straightforward language to convey your message. Avoid jargon, technical terms, or convoluted sentences that can confuse your audience. Use shorter sentences and words whenever possible to make your communication more accessible and easier to understand.

4.    Structure your communication: Organize your thoughts and ideas in a logical manner. Use headings, bullet points, or subheadings to break down your communication into digestible sections. This not only helps you stay organized but also assists your audience in grasping the key points more efficiently.

5.    Practice active listening: Communication is a two-way process. When engaging in a conversation or discussion, actively listen to others and be attentive to their responses. By paying attention to their input, you can adjust and tailor your communication, accordingly, ensuring that you address their needs and focus on what's relevant to them.

We do like the PREP Framework:

·        Point: I believe we should take direction A

·        Reason: We’ve received positive feedback about this approach 

·        Evidence: For instance, our president said he supports it 

·        Point: That’s why I believe direction A is best

Being clear and concise will set you apart as a communicator. The ability to talk to end doesn’t make you a good communicator or even a good friend. 

The UC Moment for today is …… Be concise , its great advice 

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In this short episode, your hosts reflect back to their most used communication advice.
Brandon likes to rely on the " protip" and James likes to remain calm and use mirrors.

The Use of "protip" is a great way to Share your knowledge without making the other  person think that you are  condescending and allows you to spread your influence.

Brandon is a great conversationalist , but shares a story where he couldn't make the connections. even if you do everything right, it doesn't always go the way you wanted it to. 
Mirrors 

·      A real life Jedi mind trick

  Gives you the ability to disagree without being disagreeable 

·      Can be awkward at first and takes practice 

·      Repeat the last word or few words and wait

·      Encourages empathy, bonding, keeps people talking buys you time and often reveals your counterpart’s strategy

The key is to find something that works and have some fun with it. 

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Assumptions and inferences are related concepts but have distinct differences. Here's a breakdown of their differences:

Assumptions:

1.    Definition: Assumptions are beliefs or statements that are taken for granted or accepted as true without concrete evidence or proof.

2.    Basis: Assumptions are often based on personal beliefs, prior experiences, cultural norms, or generalizations.

3.    Lack of evidence: Assumptions are made without sufficient evidence or data to support them.

4.    Subjective: Assumptions can be subjective and vary from person to person, as they are influenced by individual perspectives, biases, and preconceived notions.

5.    Role: Assumptions serve as starting points or premises upon which further reasoning or decision-making is based. They can guide our thinking but are not necessarily proven or verified.

Inferences:

1.    Definition: Inferences involve drawing conclusions or making predictions based on available evidence, reasoning, or logical deductions.

2.    Basis: Inferences are based on observable facts, data, observations, or information that is directly or indirectly provided.

3.    Evidence-based: Inferences are made using logical reasoning and supported by evidence or a logical connection between premises and conclusions.

4.    Objective: While some subjectivity can be involved in interpreting evidence, inferences strive to be objective and follow logical principles.

5.    Role: Inferences are used to go beyond the explicit information and make educated guesses or interpretations. They help bridge gaps in knowledge or fill in missing details based on logical reasoning.

In summary, assumptions are subjective beliefs or statements made without strong evidence, while inferences are logical conclusions drawn from available evidence or information. Assumptions can influence the process of making inferences, as they may provide starting points or underlying beliefs. However, inferences are more evidence-based and objective, relying on logical reasoning and observable facts.

The UC Moment for today is …… Practice inference for more accurate interpretation of the facts

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Critical thinking is the process of actively and skillfully analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information or arguments to form well-reasoned judgments or decisions. It involves the ability to think independently, objectively, and logically, considering multiple perspectives and carefully examining evidence or information before accepting or rejecting it.

Here are the key Skills of Critical thinking :

1.    Analysis: The ability to break down complex information or arguments into their constituent parts, examining them systematically and logically. This involves identifying key elements, relationships, patterns, and underlying assumptions. Evaluation: The capacity to assess the credibility, relevance, and quality of information, arguments, or evidence. It involves critically examining the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives, claims, or solutions and making judgments based on reasoned evaluation.

2.    Interpretation: The aptitude for accurately understanding and explaining the meaning and significance of information, data, or phenomena. It requires careful reading, listening, or observing to comprehend the context, implications, and nuances, while avoiding misinterpretation or oversimplification

3.    Open-mindedness: Being receptive to different perspectives, considering diverse viewpoints, and being willing to challenge and revise one's own beliefs based on evidence and rational analysis. Have true Curiosity 

4.    Communication: Critical thinking supports effective communication. It helps individuals articulate their thoughts clearly, organize their ideas coherently, and present arguments or evidence in a logical and persuasive manner. It also enables active listening, thoughtful questioning, and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue.

The UC Moment for today is …… Critical thinking is a foundational skill and needs practice and intention. Evaluation + Inference = Communication through critical thinking . Per Brandon...Communication is Math 

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According to the Oxford English Dictionary, common sense is a good sense in practical matters.

Aristotle explained such operations with reference to a higher-order perceptual capacity which unites and monitors the five senses. This capacity is known as the ‘common sense’

Your common sense is your natural ability to make good judgments and to behave in a practical and sensible way.

Not everyone will have the same definition of common sense. One person's idea of common sense may differ from the next person's idea. Imagine vacationing in a foreign country where you are unfamiliar with the native customs and language.

Let’s look at common sense from a philosophical and an academic approach:
Philosophical perspective: 

·      Aristotle: Aristotle viewed common sense, or "koinē aisthēsis" in Greek, as the ability to integrate and interpret sensory perceptions from different senses. He believed that common sense allows us to perceive and understand the unity of our sensory experiences.

·      René Descartes: Descartes regarded common sense, or "bon sens" in French, as an innate and universal human faculty. He defined it as the capacity to judge correctly and make practical decisions based on sound reasoning.

·      Confucianism: In Confucian philosophy, common sense, or "zhongyong" in Chinese, is associated with moral reasoning and harmony. It involves understanding and following the "middle way" between extremes, cultivating balance, and adhering to ethical norms.

Academic perspective:

 Cognitive skills play a crucial role in developing and applying common sense. Here are three key cognitive skills necessary for common sense: observation, inference, and problem-solving.

Observation: requires practice and mindfulness

·      Be present and attentive. 

·      Slow down, use all your senses. 

·      Look for patterns and anomalies.
   Inference:  your ability to draw logical conclusions

·      Use prior knowledge.

·      Analyze cause and effect.

·      Seek feedback.

Problem-solving: application and process

·      Critical thinking is a foundational skill for effective problem solving.

·      Creativity and innovation are essential in finding unique and unconventional solutions to problems.

·      Collaboration and communication: problem-solving skills involve working together with others, leveraging diverse perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue.

The UC Moment is summed up in...Common sense doesn't exist. Find those that share your perspective, and then you will have something in common. 

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Come celebrate our conversation with Jennifer lacy! She is the Building forward - lean practice leader for Robins and Morton. Founded in 1946, Robins & Morton is a privately held construction company that is one of the leading healthcare general contractors and healthcare construction management firms in the nation. From new hospitals and renovations to stand alone outpatient centers and facility upgrades, we have completed over 8 billion in healthcare projects over the past ten years.

Besides being a master facilitator , Jenn is also co-host of the NoBS with Jenn and Jess and Co-author and illustrator  of Lean and Love. https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Love-Letters-Relationships-RipplesOfImpact/dp/B0B2TYD58G A #noBS look into how your relationships create #ripplesofimpact 

In this episode we dive into the art and practice of asking questions, evaluating and coaching through The Emotional Bungee jumpers. https://www.depthbuilder.com/emotional-bungee-jumpers-Group1

What got you here, Won't get you there. - Jenn Lacy

The UC Moment is to Blacksmith on your sword of soft skills

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Decision fatigue is a psychological phenomenon surrounding a person's ability or capacity to make decisions. It is also called ego depletion. The theory surrounding decision fatigue is that a human's ability to make decisions can get worse after making many decisions, as their brain will be more fatigued.

Whether you're making breakfast or deciding what to wear in the morning, your brain is making upward of 35,000 decisions each day, according to Eva Krockow, lecturer at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Today we will cover:

·      What to do if you are experiencing decision fatigue 

·      What are some steps to reduce the decision load. 

Decision fatigue is setting in:

·      Recognize the symptoms. 

·       Difficulty making decisions.

·       Procrastination.

·       Impulsive decisions

·       Irritability

·       Lack of focus

·       Poor judgment

·       Reduced willpower

·      Admit it to yourself. 

·      Take a break. 

o  Taking breaks between decision-making sessions can help you reset your mind and reduce decision fatigue.

Steps to reduce your decision-making load:

1.     Simplify your routine: Simplifying your routine can help reduce the number of decisions you need to make daily. This could mean creating a meal plan for the week or setting a consistent morning routine.

2.     Ask “what would you do?: Many times those that are coming to you for a decision already have an answer in mind. Use their brainpower to review the facts of the case, hear out their decision and weigh it against your experience. 

3.     Delegate your decisions: Use the leader leader style of leadership. This is one of the best ways to train future leaders and reduce your decision load by having your direct reports show up with the facts at hand and their recommendation or decision. 

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Our Guest today William Bullock, 

Negotiator for the UK Police and currently serves as the asset manager for the UK Ministry of Defense.

He has spent 13 years as the most experienced and qualified hostage negotiator in the UK and have produced a groundbreaking conflict management training course. 

 A Hostage Negotiator's specialist art of conflict management in gaining influence and developing collaborative working relationships has been crafted together in this unique course which has been created from the most advanced and specialist communication tactics in the world and adapted for the corporate environment.

We had a great conversation with William. His experience as a hostage negotiator is a great background that translates to all levels of communication. He has received numerous trainings that he has turned into his own ground breaking training.  Please check out his website : https://www.negotias.com/

We learned that the idea of the Black Swan that Chris Voss talks about is also the Hook or the gateway. William shares a story of a scenario practice where a gentleman misses the hook, that was presented to him . If pots and pans are bubbling over, it may have nothing to do with the kitchen.

The topic turned to the idea of empathy. William tells a story about how empathy literally disarmed a knife wielding man. A powerful illustration of how our communication affects the world around us.

Find William on linkedIn and give him a follow : https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bullock-3979161b0/

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Mindfulness can be seen as a tool for developing greater self-awareness. By being present and attentive to our inner experience, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our motivations. This can help us make more conscious and intentional choices, and lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

An analogy to explain the relationship between mindfulness and self-awareness is to think of a mirror. Just as a mirror reflects back an image of our physical appearance, mindfulness can reflect back an image of our inner experience - our thoughts, emotions, and sensations. By being mindful, we can become more aware of our internal experience and develop a greater understanding of ourselves.

Another
analogy is to think of a GPS device. Just as a GPS device helps us navigate
through unfamiliar territory, mindfulness can help us navigate our internal
landscape. By being mindful, we can become more aware of our thoughts,
emotions, and sensations, and use this information to make more conscious and
intentional choices.

A third
analogy is to think of a flashlight. Just as a flashlight illuminates a dark
room, mindfulness can illuminate the hidden corners of our mind. By being
mindful, we can shine a light on our thoughts and emotions, and bring them into
our conscious awareness. This can help us identify patterns and habits that may
be holding us back, and make positive changes in our lives.

Here are some ways that mindfulness can improve your communication:

1-Better listening: When you are fully present and engaged in the moment, you are better able to listen actively to what others are saying. You can pick up on nuances in tone and body language, which can help you understand their message more fully.

2- Improved empathy: Mindfulness can help you tune into your own emotions and become more aware of the emotions of others. This can help you develop greater empathy and understanding, which is essential for effective communication.

3- Reduced stress: Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve your ability to communicate effectively. When you are less stressed, you are better able to stay calm and focused in communication, even in difficult situations.

4- Increased self-awareness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your own communication style, including your tone of voice, body language, and choice of words. By being aware of how you communicate, you can make adjustments to improve your communication skills.

5- Improved conflict resolution: Mindfulness can help you approach conflict in a more constructive way. By being mindful of your own thoughts and emotions, you can be more aware of your triggers and respond in a more measured way, reducing the chances of escalation.

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Reciprocity in its simplest terms refers to a give-and-take relationship where two or more people exchange information or actions in a balanced and mutually beneficial way.

The automatic response that reciprocity creates is a feeling of obligation to return a favor or provide a similar action or information in response to what was given. When someone gives us something, we feel a natural urge to give something back in return.

To leverage this automatic response in conversations, it can be helpful to start by giving something of value to the other person. This can be in the form of sharing information, providing a resource, or offering help in some way. By doing so, you create a sense of obligation in the other person to reciprocate, which can lead to a more productive and engaging conversation.

It's important to note, however, that leveraging reciprocity in conversations should not be done in a manipulative way or with the expectation of receiving something in return. Instead, it should be done with a genuine desire to create a balanced exchange of information and build a mutually beneficial relationship with the other person. By using reciprocity in a genuine and authentic way, you can create a more positive and productive communication environment.

Example: 

The game of catch: Reciprocity in communication can be compared to playing catch with someone. Each person takes turns throwing and catching the ball, creating a balanced exchange. If one person were to keep the ball to themselves, the game would not work. Similarly, in communication, if one person dominates the conversation and does not give the other person a chance to speak, the conversation becomes unbalanced and ineffective.

Here are some of the main points to keep in mind regarding reciprocity in communication:

1.     Two-way communication: Reciprocity requires a back-and-forth exchange of information between two or more individuals. It is not just about one person transmitting information while the other passively receives it.

2.     Active listening: Effective reciprocity in communication requires active listening, which means paying attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback.

3.     Trust: Trust is an essential element of reciprocity in communication. When individuals trust each other, they are more likely to engage in open and honest communication.

4.     Respect: Mutual respect is another key component of reciprocity. Individuals need to respect each other's viewpoints and opinions, even if they disagree.

5.     Shared understanding: Effective communication requires a shared understanding of the topic being discussed. Reciprocity helps to build this shared understanding by allowing individuals to clarify their thoughts and ideas and ask for clarification from others.

6.     Positive outcomes: When reciprocity is present in communication, it can lead to positive outcomes such as increased understanding, improved relationships, and better decision-making.

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