Communication Opportunities

The opportunity to communicate your value is a fundamental need for all human beings. We communicate to fulfill basic needs socially, emotionally and vocationally. It lies at the heart of who we are. No matter the activity, we are always engaging in some form of communication. Without communication our world would be a lonely and chaotic place. How would we improve if we couldn’t communicate with our teachers? Where would experiments and inventions take place if we couldn’t communicate our intentions? How would we share ideas or collaborate? Without communication progress would cease. And so would society.  

So it stands to reason that we are surrounded by opportunities to communicate. How do we chose the right communication style? Or the right time? It is normally dictated by the circumstances we find ourselves in and the target audience. Consider the different communities we come across in our lives.  Each has it’s own style of communication which is why we often find communication a challenge.  These communities give us the opportunities to understand our audience and adapt our communication style. Imagine you are trying to explain a new concept to someone who has no background in what you are about to explain to them. There has to be a shared context before there is shared understanding. How do you bridge that gap? Only by finding the same context can ensure mutual understanding. And therein lies the opportunity…

If we strive for effective communication we are striving for better relationships in our personal and professional life. We achieve a sense of belonging and collaboration by listening to build trust and understanding. You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. What constitutes effective communication? Firstly, being a a good listener. Focus on what is being said, clarify  through open and closed questions( eg: When you said …….. what did you mean?”). Reflect on what is being said by paraphrasing (using your own words to reflect what the speaker has said) and mirroring (repeat key words or the last few words spoken). In addition to paraphrasing and mirroring, you need to reflect the speaker’s feelings and emotions. Combining content with feelings and emotions will truly reflect the speaker’s intention.  

Consider these ten principles of effective listening the next time you communicate with another person:

1. Stop talking
2. Focus on the speaker
3. Put the speaker at ease
4. Focus on what is being said and avoid distractions
5. Empathise
6. Be patient
7. Avoid personal prejudice
8. Listen to the tone and volume
9. Listen for ideas – not just words
10. Wait and watch for non-verbal communication

Interested to learn more? Take the opportunity to improve your communication skills by visiting Picnic Point Toastmasters. We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

Mentoring – The Role Model

The role model has always played a part in society.  From Plato to Leonardo Da Vinci, Elizabeth Blackwell to Amelia Earhart, role models have served as examples of inspiration. What can we learn from roles models?  Primarily, confidence. A positive outlook coupled with confidence and calmness is a great model. Being happy and comfortable with who you are, yet striving to improve is something many aspire to.  Being true to yourself, not sacrificing your identity to fit in serves to remind us that we all have something positive to contribute.

Good communication skills, a sense of direction and consistency are common traits of the role model. Being humble, grateful and respectful to others and the ability to admit when you are wrong demonstrates a quiet strength that is not initially recognised as being a part of role modelling or mentoring.  Role models are simultaneously teachers and learners. They have attained great knowledge and skills and continue to challenge themselves.

If you are seeking a role model, consider people you know and admire. They can mentor and advise you to help you achieve your personal goals. The role model is someone who displays the characteristics and achievements you would like to attain.  A role model helps you to see what is possible and can motivate you to take on challenges you may not have considered. A sense of purpose is the driver that will ultimately lead you to your goal.  Take notice of what motivates the role model and how that makes you feel.  Look for role models that inspire and encourage you.

Take notice of how they behave with different people, how they handle difficult situations, whether they are reliable. How different are they to you? What aspects of their personality do you wish you had? What skills have they attained that you would like to possess?  Knowing what you want to achieve is the first step to selecting a role model.  

When you first put into practice some of the skills and behaviours that are not part and parcel of the current you will feel unnatural and uncomfortable.  But stick with it.  Choosing a role model who challenges your status quo will help you to see where your opportunities lie.

Remember to look at their successes and failures. How do they handle disappointment? What did they do to move forward? What could you take away from their lessons? Consider their beliefs and values. Do they line up with your beliefs and values? Learn from your role model and take what resonates with you – but make sure that you   adapt it and mold it to suit your purpose.  Maintain your individuality, whilst you take on the characteristics you admire in the role model.

If you are seeking a role model to help you with communication and leadership skills, then consider joining Picnic Point Toastmasters. Our mentoring program includes matching you with an experienced Toastmaster who will serve as a role model. Picnic Point Toastmasters meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.  

The Courageous Leader

What does it take to be a courageous leader? What does it mean to be courageous in the workplace? How can you recognise it and even emulate courageous leadership? It’s the everyday activities of a leader that demonstrates their courage. Take notice and you will witness that they speak up when no-one else is willing to, even if it means being judged by others. They don’t shy from giving critical feedback to management, even if it means suffering the consequences of an unfavourable outcome.

Courageous leaders know when to keep quiet and allow others to have their say. Even when they think they are right. They are humble when receiving critical feedback and willing to listen to those who disagree. A courageous leader develops others, knowing one day that person may prove to be smarter than they are. They mentor and coach when it’s not part of their job description, knowing that it will develop the best leaders of tomorrow.

A courageous leader is not afraid to disagree with popular decisions – often saying “Yes” when others are saying “No  or “No” when the general consensus is “Yes”. They accept responsibility for their actions and are willing to do the right thing when it is not a popular decision.  A courageous leader knows when to stay and fight for a good cause – even when others are walking away. They will keep going when the going gets really tough.  And will walk away when the fight isn’t worth it.

Other traits include reflecting deeply before taking action, sticking it out when they would rather quit, using their heart when making decisions and using their head when their emotions could get the better of them.  They will ask “what’s right?” rather than be critical and are curious rather than judgemental. They will step out of their comfort zone, despite how it makes them feel.

Courageous leaders respect their followers, even when they have been disappointed by them. They forgive others, and in particular, those who have learned an important lesson and strive to do better next time. They give credit where credit is due, listen to others without giving advice and ask when they really want to tell.  And they see potential in others when no-one else does. They are not afraid to explore outside of the box – even if the general consensus is “we have always done it this way”. A courageous leader will admit their failings, control their impulses and support others to minimise suffering.

To quote Nelson Mandela: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”.

There is a courageous leader in all of us and it starts with the first step towards our leadership goals.

Visit Picnic Point Toastmasters to learn more.  We meet at 7pm every 1st  and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

The Inspirational Leader

Have you ever met an inspirational leader? What made them inspirational? Chances are it wasn’t being likeable or their level of experience. An inspirational leader is driven by their “why”. This sense of purpose is what inspires employees to achieve their best.  When staff believe in what their manager believes in it creates a sense of purpose. And purpose is a key factor in motivation. A leader’s “why” demonstrates clarity, vision and values. The inspirational leader is courageous, tolerant, authentic, humble and possesses a high level of of self-awareness.

The good news is that anyone can develop these attributes. To start with, future inspirational leaders must genuinely care for others, be inclusive and involve everyone in the group, show appreciation of others efforts, demonstrate trust, listen with an open mind and create a fun work environment.

Another consideration is to evaluate your peers and circle of friends. Do they inspire you? Do they encourage you to stretch outside your current boundaries? Are you an inspiration to others? Are you doing something with your life that deserves their admiration? Consider the clutter in your life that is holding you back. Are you reliving past resentments or regrets? Do you continue to engage with negative people? Time to let go and move on.

What’s your “why”? Are you living by default, rather than designing your vision?  Finding your purpose can be as simple as reading something that matters to you. Look to your past experiences, what have you learnt that can help others? What are you grateful for? Consider volunteering or donating money to a cause that you deeply care for. Appreciating others and finding substance in what others appreciate about you strengthens relationships, which are often a source of purpose. Finding or building a community can create a sense of belonging and help you discover or strengthen your purpose.

Take time out to reflect and be thankful for what you have. Mix up your daily routine, network to meet new people, relax, switch off from social media, your phone, laptop or ipod.  Reach out to people and be inspired by the real world. Exchange ideas, skills and cultures, volunteer or reconnect with nature. Be inspired so you can inspire others.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States.

Ready to become an inspirational leader?  Join us, Picnic Point Toastmasters.  We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.  Inspiration is but a meeting away….