Have you ever stopped and really thought about it?
So many of us tend to define ourselves by WHAT we DO. I’m a manager, an engineer, a nurse, an admin, a programmer, a gardener, a pilot, a scientist, an author, a farmer, a technician. And we could go on and on. While these are certainly a part of who you are, they are not everything you are.
If you look at who you are in various scenarios, it will help you to define yourself that much more. And why is this a good idea? In order to communicate well, it’s important that you be authentic and effective. To do so, you must be aware of what aspects or characteristics of you will work best in the moment.
There are times when being strong and forceful is needed. Other times require you to be flexible and persuasive. In order to truly “be” that character, all aspects of your communication must be in alignment. If you are telling people to move quickly because they are in imminent danger, but you have a big smile on your face and are giggling, do you really think they will take you seriously? If you are listening to a friend share some bad news with you, but you are pacing back and forth or rapidly tapping your foot, do you think that they will continue or will they think you are not listening?
To accurately “be” the right YOU at any moment in time, it’s important that your “full communication” is in alignment. That means the words you use, your tone of voice, your facial expressions and your body language are all saying the same thing.
The first step in my 4-step process is to identify the “roles” you are. And it is a critical step because each of these roles has a unique and powerful way of expressing itself. In order for you to be the best you possible, it’s important to not only be aware of the needed role for the situation but to be able to BE it instantly.
As you go about your day today, be mindful of the character or role you are in any situation and just how effective it is.
To Being Heard,
Linda