I know what was said, but what was really communicated? Too often, because of courtesy, culture, or for other reasons, one party doesn’t believe it’s appropriate (or more likely worth the risk) to share their true thoughts and opinions. I sometimes wonder how much is gained or lost as a result. Some of my favorite words of advice to young leaders and anyone in a customer-facing role is “Listen for what was meant, not just what was said.”
Rob Marchalonis helps organizations improve their Leadership, Strategy, & Processes (LSP) so they can grow and prosper. Connect with him at LSP123.com or IncentShare.com
More Business Advice
Business owners, employers, and leaders can sharpen their skills with the content below.
Stuck in the Middle
Tips for Leaders to Facilitate Conflict Resolution by Rob Marchalonis. Ever find yourself in the middle, between employees or associates who disagree or have conflict? Like good parents and counselors, leaders can play an important role in facilitating communication,...
Sleepless Nights
How I Settle My Mind to Get Needed Rest by Rob Marchalonis. I confess, some of my most difficult times as a leader have been in the middle of the night. Can you relate? As a younger leader, I would often lay awake in bed for minutes (or hours) during the quiet...
Consider an Advisory Board
Gain Priceless Wisdom and Experience by Rob Marchalonis If your business could tap into the most successful, experienced, and smartest leaders in your community or industry, how might it benefit? By creating an “advisory board”, you can gain access to wisdom and...
Leading Through Crisis
12 Steps to Guide Your Response by Rob Marchalonis. If you are a leader, it’s almost certain you will eventually have to lead through a crisis. The types of crises can vary, but consider those caused by natural disasters, economic circumstances, health concerns,...
Game Play Mimics Business
A Fun Way to Multiply Your Results by Rob Marchalonis. Have you played a new app or board game lately? How did it go? Did you feel somewhat confused as you learned the rules and how to “play” the game? Business leaders can learn a lot from gameplay, especially by...
Good People, Bad Decisions
Ways to Understand and Guide Better Decision Making by Rob Marchalonis My education, experience, and faith have taught me that every person has amazing potential for “good”. In general, I think positively about others and believe that most are well-intended. Would you...
Productivity Plan Overview
When I work with business owners and leaders to improve organizational performance, there are almost always opportunities to improve workgroup productivity and results. Among the many ways to accomplish this, one simple approach is to start with the four "P”s: Purpose...
Test Your Next Policy Change, Before Rollout
Have a Big Idea to Launch? By Rob Marchalonis. Before you implement a significant change that will affect your employees, consider starting with a “test” rather than a final decision. If you plan to mess with a person’s “time, treasure, or trust” be very careful,...
Idea, Hobby, or Business?
Questions to Evolve a Great Idea into a Legacy Business. by Rob Marchalonis What’s the Goal for Your Big Idea? Clients, friends, family, and others regularly share their business ideas with me. Usually, the ideas are exchanged in casual conversation to get a first...
Better Workgroup Productivity – Here’s How
Want More Productive Workgroups? Business leaders, which of your workgroups would you like to be more productive? Think about your senior leaders, sales, operations, manufacturing, service, or support teams. Is there one group in particular that, if you could just...