Whether in the workplace, or beyond, community fosters our most powerful affiliations and births some of our biggest challenges.
We may work for the same organization, but the communities within it can have vastly different values. It is not unusual for sales and marketing to say that the development folks are too fixed on perfection and process. “They’ll make us late.” Conversely, engineers assess the client-facing folks as a bit rash and facile. “They just want a half-baked product.”
It also happens in small communities, like home, for example:
“She’s got to examine every option – she gets lost in the choices.”
“He’s so impulsive; he acts without thinking it through.”
Who’s right? Both. What’s missing? Perhaps lack of appreciation and the ability to flex.
Appreciation starts with self – what are my strengths and how can I leverage them? In what contexts might they be counter-productive? Building self-awareness is crucial. With it, we can capitalize on what makes us great. And, identify where we can refine our approach, as in those challenging scenarios, above.
In learning about the advantages and short-comings of our own style, we also gain insight into that of others’. The lesson: no one’s got the corner on the all-time perfect approach.
But, awareness needs motivation for change to occur. How much do I want this relationship to work? Am I willing to shape my presentation to be well received, to build greater understanding?
If you need to find what the payback is for you, these might help:
· You negotiate a release date with an acceptable level of completion
· Your partner/spouse finds you more willing to understand their perspective
· That new prospect says that “you’re on the same page” and signs.
· The volunteers on your neighborhood committee think your presentation hits home. They move forward with your new idea.
Sound like success? We think so.
The Holistic Performance Group can help you build self-awareness and give you practical strategies for productive communication. We use a variety of assessments that provide insight into personal communication style, conflict resolution, and influencing strategies.
We may work for the same organization, but the communities within it can have vastly different values. It is not unusual for sales and marketing to say that the development folks are too fixed on perfection and process. “They’ll make us late.” Conversely, engineers assess the client-facing folks as a bit rash and facile. “They just want a half-baked product.”
It also happens in small communities, like home, for example:
“She’s got to examine every option – she gets lost in the choices.”
“He’s so impulsive; he acts without thinking it through.”
Who’s right? Both. What’s missing? Perhaps lack of appreciation and the ability to flex.
Appreciation starts with self – what are my strengths and how can I leverage them? In what contexts might they be counter-productive? Building self-awareness is crucial. With it, we can capitalize on what makes us great. And, identify where we can refine our approach, as in those challenging scenarios, above.
In learning about the advantages and short-comings of our own style, we also gain insight into that of others’. The lesson: no one’s got the corner on the all-time perfect approach.
But, awareness needs motivation for change to occur. How much do I want this relationship to work? Am I willing to shape my presentation to be well received, to build greater understanding?
If you need to find what the payback is for you, these might help:
· You negotiate a release date with an acceptable level of completion
· Your partner/spouse finds you more willing to understand their perspective
· That new prospect says that “you’re on the same page” and signs.
· The volunteers on your neighborhood committee think your presentation hits home. They move forward with your new idea.
Sound like success? We think so.
The Holistic Performance Group can help you build self-awareness and give you practical strategies for productive communication. We use a variety of assessments that provide insight into personal communication style, conflict resolution, and influencing strategies.
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