As an entrepreneur there are many qualities that come into play in correlation with your success. In a previous blog post of mine I shared some of the attributes that were typically found to be most admirable in a leader. Personally, I’ve found that along with those attributes, what’s of grave importance for entrepreneurs is having the ability to communicate. If you’re unable to connect with people, listen to the opinion of others, or convey your ideas in a collective manner, how can you expect to find your ultimate level of success?
When approaching any conversation it’s important that you’re mindful of your emotions. Being overly emotional, in any situation, is a recipe for disaster. Often times, we can be quick to lash out when an issue arises. Before you communicate your concerns or opinion on the situation, be sure to take a moment to collect your thoughts and approach the manner logically. Go into the conversation with clarity on the point you wish to make, but also be mindful of the other person’s thoughts.
Should the conversation that you’re about to partake in be of an uneasy nature, take a few deep breaths to rid yourself of nervous energy. With every interaction or conversation, it’s important that you’re honest. You’ll want to use your discretion here, as being overly honest can come with a negative connotation, but being truthful will ultimately help you establish credibility and rapport.
Another key component in communication is being an active listener. Often times, this is where most leaders are lacking. As important as it is to convey company direction and opinion, it’s equally important that you listen to feedback. When you listen to the opposing party, with intent, you foster a better relationship with people. It’s important that you understand the value in listening to others, and look at it as much more than just a passive task. It is an active process that requires more than digesting information from someone else.
Being mindful of your emotions, remaining honest in conversation, and listening with intent will certainly improve your communication skills. Foster these behaviors and others will acknowledge and appreciate your ability to effectively communicate with others.