I didn't even know I was guilty of this until reading your examples. Thank you for sharing your communication tips in such a concise and actionable way!
Agree with what you said. However, I have a small concern. Sometimes, you have to point out their mistake, so that when they approach someone else with a similar problem, they don't repeat the same mistake. It's important to know if you really want to help them with this or the battle is not worth fighting for.
I don't struggle with this myself, but my direct report does. How can I present this to him politely? He spends way too much time explaining things with too much context when I'm already familiar with the situation and I'd like to guide him on sharing less and getting straight to the point. Any tips or previous article link would be much appreciated.
Great write-up, Wes. I can be hyper-rational at times, but stumbling upon this post tells me that I don't have to be and it's better to shed it off. Thank you.
"When you notice a small mistake or miscommunication, your urge might be to correct your colleague—because you are technically right. But this can derail the main point and cause a distraction." Yes, indeed, corrective statements can kill rapport. Let it go, or maybe ask a simple clarifying question. Good article.
Oh, yes, that's me all right. I could blame it on my detail-oriented nature, but I fear it is more about my defensiveness when I feel burdened or misunderstood. But I know I always feel better - and that it's more effective - when I'm clear and forward-moving focused. Thanks for the examples - they're great.
Oh man, do I see myself here. Love the phrase "useless context." And I do try to remind myself: You know what they mean. Don't break the conversation flow with a needless correction. Thanks for the reminder!
Oh man, am I guilty of this one. There are a lot of cultures grounded in accuracy. Maybe it's what made this country great, but it also made it annoying as hell. From mansplaining to just wanting to be right. I have found i've gotten better with age. This article is a big help. Thank you for posting.
Great post. I can relate a lot to your examples. Sometimes, you're technically right, but it's just better to be effective and move on. For the time zone issues, I default to use UTC times to avoid any confusion!
I didn't even know I was guilty of this until reading your examples. Thank you for sharing your communication tips in such a concise and actionable way!
Amazing piece! Thank you for this!
Agreed, 100%
Absolutely love this, “Am I serving the conversation, or my ego?” This was really helpful. Thank you!
Agree with what you said. However, I have a small concern. Sometimes, you have to point out their mistake, so that when they approach someone else with a similar problem, they don't repeat the same mistake. It's important to know if you really want to help them with this or the battle is not worth fighting for.
Hi Wes. Great article as always.
I don't struggle with this myself, but my direct report does. How can I present this to him politely? He spends way too much time explaining things with too much context when I'm already familiar with the situation and I'd like to guide him on sharing less and getting straight to the point. Any tips or previous article link would be much appreciated.
I love the work you do.
Great write-up, Wes. I can be hyper-rational at times, but stumbling upon this post tells me that I don't have to be and it's better to shed it off. Thank you.
This, definitely. Write the detailed version. Wait two minutes and breathe. Then write one sentence and send. Thank you for putting this into words!
"When you notice a small mistake or miscommunication, your urge might be to correct your colleague—because you are technically right. But this can derail the main point and cause a distraction." Yes, indeed, corrective statements can kill rapport. Let it go, or maybe ask a simple clarifying question. Good article.
Oh, yes, that's me all right. I could blame it on my detail-oriented nature, but I fear it is more about my defensiveness when I feel burdened or misunderstood. But I know I always feel better - and that it's more effective - when I'm clear and forward-moving focused. Thanks for the examples - they're great.
Oh man, do I see myself here. Love the phrase "useless context." And I do try to remind myself: You know what they mean. Don't break the conversation flow with a needless correction. Thanks for the reminder!
Oh man, am I guilty of this one. There are a lot of cultures grounded in accuracy. Maybe it's what made this country great, but it also made it annoying as hell. From mansplaining to just wanting to be right. I have found i've gotten better with age. This article is a big help. Thank you for posting.
Great post. I can relate a lot to your examples. Sometimes, you're technically right, but it's just better to be effective and move on. For the time zone issues, I default to use UTC times to avoid any confusion!
Loved the 2nd example of backstory scope creep. I fall victim to that all the time 😅 thanks for the article, Wes