Seven Thoughtful Questions for Excellent Communicators
As leaders move to become confident communicators in addition to being experts in their fields, self-reflection is an invaluable tool. I often work with clients when they have achieved success in their career and are promoted into new leadership positions. They possess strong subject matter expertise but may not have had the opportunity to hone their communication skills – particularly in fields focused on innovation. The growth mindset common among highly successful individuals encourages critical thinking and evaluation. It is this kind of critical (not judgmental) self-analysis that fosters professional development.
When it comes to reflecting on our communication skills, certain questions consistently lead to meaningful insight. Here are seven questions my clients have found most useful:
- How is this communication habit serving me now, regardless of how it served me in the past?
- What are the effects of my communication on people around me – those senior to me, my peers, and my direct reports?
- What communication techniques do I see in others whom I respect in similar situations?
- What styles or approaches do I find ineffective when I see someone else doing it?
- How else could I handle this communication interaction?
- What do I do well in other situations that I find hard to replicate in this setting and why might that be?
- What other communication strengths do I have that I could bring to bear?
Awareness of oneself and others, willingness to try new techniques, and reflection on outcomes consistently lead to more effective professional communication. I invite you to ask yourself these questions and observe how the answers improve your interactions.