We are back with the next tip in our better communication series (introduction | tip 1) exploring how to solve business problems through better communication. Let’s dive in with tip #2
Your Business Problem: I don’t have time to prepare. I’m in back-to-back meetings all day long.
TIME! We never have enough of it. This nonrenewable resource can cause urgency in our workday. Instead of focusing on your lack of time, start by prioritizing what’s important. You will waste more time repeating yourself, rambling, or not being clear on what you’re asking your listener if you don’t take time to prepare. Our Decker Grid™ allows you to prepare the foundation of a message in as little as five minutes before that next meeting. You don’t need a ton of time, but you do need to prioritize being intentional with your message. Otherwise, you risk losing an opportunity and ultimately – dare I say – Waste time.
Try: Before your next meeting or conversation, ask yourself these questions.
- Listener (the Who): Who are you talking to and what do you know about them?
- Point of View (the So What): What is the bigger picture here? What problems are you solving for them?
- Action Steps (the How): What steps do you or they need to take and by when?
- Benefits (the Why): Why should they care? What’s in it for them if they listen?