communication skills

Begin with the end in mind: the key to purposeful writing

The Talmud asks, “Who is wise? He who sees the end from the beginning.” Stephen Covey echoes this in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People when he urges us to “begin with the end in mind.”

Many writers plunge into their work without a clear destination. They don’t stop to think about their goals, but hope their reader will manage to decode the message about which they themselves are unclear. But this approach wastes time and is unlikely to achieve results. Successful writers think about their desired outcome before they even touch the keyboard.

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Gratitude emails build relationships

As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to express gratitude. A heartfelt thank-you email can leave a lasting impression, whether it is directed to clients, coworkers, or friends. Gratitude strengthens relationships and reflects your authenticity and thoughtfulness. If you have the time and ability, writing a handwritten note will have the greatest

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Don’t Hedge

Words such as rather, pretty, very, and little are the leeches that infest the body of prose, sucking the blood of words. We should all try to do a little better, we should all be very watchful of this rule, for it is a rather important one and we are pretty sure to violate it

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Buzzwords Block Intergenerational Communication

grow a healthier workplace culture

When you use too many business buzzwords, you might make members of certain age groups feel excluded. Worse, they might not know what you’re talking about. If the purpose of communication is to convey our meaning seamlessly to our readers, corporate buzzwords are clearly not doing the job.

Using terms that other people do not understand makes them feel disconnected from you. When people feel alienated, they are less open to receiving your message. Why write in a way that obstructs the communication goals you are trying to achieve?

The solution to this communication conundrum isn’t complex, but it does require conscious effort. Here are some strategies to improve workplace communication:

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6 Ways to Manage the Authenticity Paradox

true self workplace

The managing director of a large wealth management company recently complained to me that his staff seemed unable to forge warm relationships with the firm’s clients. “They are reluctant to pick up the phone or invite the client to lunch,” he lamented. “Even their emails veer between formal and stilted or breezy and inappropriately casual.” Recognizing the need for improvement, the firm hired me to work with them, and soon, their team showed a greater awareness of practicing the language of connection.

Effective verbal or written communication is crucial for building strong relationships in the workplace. When we write at work, we aim to engage our readers and achieve a specific purpose, such as gaining approval, obtaining information, or fostering collaboration. However, if readers feel that you do not care about or understand them or that you have disregarded social norms they value, their minds may close. Then, you will fight an uphill battle to get your point across.

Here are four ways to build rapport and inspire greater loyalty and satisfaction in your readers.

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