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Do you rush into meetings and conversations and begin speaking without really "taking the temperature" of the room and people? Slowing down to do this yields valuable information.
Want To Strengthen This Ability?
Take the time to assess what is "really" happening around you...the underlying messages and intentions. Then, recalculate your voice, tone, energy and the focus of the message to move others toward the desired outcome.
It is important to slow down and assess:
- Who is in the room? Why were these participants selected or involved?
- What are their intentions and motivations?
- Consider what outcome each is interested in achieving.
- Is what they are saying matching up with their nonverbal behavior? If not, listen for what is not connecting.
- What are the top three things you need to know?
- What are the top three things they need to know from you?
- Is your energy matching others in the room? If not, determine if you need to slow down or speed up.
- Consider if you need to speak more or less. Practice 'W.A.I.T' (Why Am I Talking) and speak only when you can add high-value.
“Tell me to what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are.”
- Jose Ortega y Gasset, Spanish Philosophe