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Why A Man Needs Effective Communication
The Subtle Art of Being a Good Dude, Part 3
This is the third installment in a series covering several tenets of masculinity and manhood. Our third topic is effective communication.Are They Not Listening or Are You Not Listenable?
Though something might make sense to you, it might not make the same sense to someone else. Part of effective communication is knowing how to deliver your message or information in a way that others can easily understand.
“The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.”
What is Effective Communication?
Effective communication is the process of exchanging information from one person to another, or a group of people, so the message is delivered and understood as clearly and concisely as possible.
There’s A Reason We Have Two Ears and Only One Mouth
It’s easy to do a poor job of listening. People are talking to us, but are we truly paying attention? How can you have the answer if you didn’t even hear the question?
Let us introduce the concept of comprehensive listening. What we mean is making a concerted effort to hear people when they’re communicating with you.
It’s safe to say most guys would love to be a strong leader, or the problem solver their loved ones can depend on. The next time someone is trying to connect with you, don’t interrupt. Hear them completely, with empathy, and intent to understand.
You Own What You Say
There’s no such thing as “I was just mad,” or “I didn’t mean it.” You own everything you say.
As men, our word means something. It’s your bond. It’s your honor. It represents you. Choosing our words carefully is a discipline that, for some, takes many years to master.
It’s a by-product of another subject we covered in this series, emotional IQ. Say what you really mean. Own what you say. That’s effective communication.
Is This Thing On?
Naturally, we can’t control whether or not the person we’re speaking to is also making the effort to hear you, but we can make sure we’re doing our part.
In this time of social media and text conversations, it seems harder than ever to really connect with those around us. Leave nothing open to interpretation. Speak with intent, listen with purpose, and you might just have a handle on this effective communication thing.
How do you seek to understand others?
The Subtle Art of Being a Good Dude
Previous Installments
Part I: Personal Integrity
