ColorBlind

We used the Colorblind challenge to surface some key learnings about effective communication:

 

Ask Questions and Listen First

When coaching and mentoring, focus your attention on listening before speaking. Listening first will help you to gain valuable information, develop rapport and give your mentee a sense of being valued.

 

Orientation
Same situation, same resources, same skills...different outcome. Why does this happen?

People are different and their orientation will absolutely affect their outcomes. You will have very different life experiences than your mentee. Be aware that challenges for you might be easy for them and vice versa.

When conveying your thoughts, advice and experience, be sure to match it to their orientation first. Your words will connect and be more useful.

 

Go Visual

Remember that the brain turns all words into pictures. Better pictures create greater understanding. Choose your words and visuals carefully to ensure congruent communication.

 

Be Specific

Go into deep detail and be as specific as possible to ensure that your information is completely understood.

 

 

Frequency of Communication

Relationships thrive when communication occurs on a regular basis. Every gap or lapse in communication breeds distrust and can begin the erosion of rapport.

Stay on top of things and communicate in quick and frequent forms.

 

Recursion

Review for understanding. If things seem unclear, change your approach and deliver the information in another way. Each modality you engage will help to ensure that your message has connected and will last.

 

Confirm

Check for understanding. Throughout the process and certainly prior to completion review key info, challenge assumptions and ask critical questions.