Do They SEE What I SAY?
As a retired Army officer and now certified John Maxwell coach, speaker and trainer, I am often blessed to provide leadership advice. Recently, I was asked to provide a response to what are "The roles of communication strategy in bridging communication gaps and ensuring smooth communication within an organization?" While answering this request it hit me.
So what is IT that hit me?...in the face...upside my head. It was the reality of what I was writing. I was under the impression that I joined the John Maxwell Team (JMT) primarily because of my desire to continue making impact in the lives of others post military. Therefore, I sought out after the "Civilian Solution for Excellence." However, the truth is, I was actually seeking a means for "bridging the communication gaps and ensuring smooth communication between me and, who I refer to as, Civilians." Will they, Civilians, be able the SEE what I am SAYING?
Having 23.5 years of military experience, I can say with certainty that the military mindset and language is completely different from what is experienced in most civilian organizations. There are consequences and repercussions that military members face that add weight to being obedient, prepared and on time. Life and death decisions cannot be balanced on an emotional string. At the same time, having a direct, abrasive mentality does not always reflect the love that is truly in a military member's heart. There must be balance, situational awareness and a stronger desire to impact lives, than to just be heard.
John's core learning system, "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect," has not only been a blessing to share with others, but continues to bridge the military to civilian communication gap that allows me to remain direct, yet able to effectively communicate love to others, and still receive the appropriate results. I have even learned how and why to ask for permission. (LoL)
Is my new communication strategy working? As an "mature" parent of a young child, I've found children to be a great resource for testing my new communication skills. I do not know about your children, but my son and his friends tend to hear from their emotional point of reference at the time of the conversation. If I can get at least one of them to repeat anything other than the last words spoken, I know that connection has taken place.
Unfortunately, adults tend to possess this same quality as a result of the numerous distractions of life. Connecting can easily be glazed over by family situations, social media, the news, tradition, selfish ambition, fear, unbelief, assumption, arrogance, control and/or indifference, etc.. However, I can assure you, that I no longer have a connecting concern. Through the teachings and example of John Maxwell himself, tested and tried by my 10-year old son, I am currently set up for nothing but success. Even President Gerald Ford once said, "Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively."
It's been over a year now since I joined the John Maxwell Team, and it still remains an honor and a privilege to thank, my mentor, John Maxwell for adding the importance of Connecting to "communicate effectively." This one contribution, that may seem insignificant to most, fully equips my JMT teammates and I to communicate proven leadership principles that transcend the senses, making it possible for others to first SEE what we SAY, and then successfully apply these same principles to themselves, their team and/or their organization.
About the Author
Sharon D. Green. Sharon is a Minister, service disabled, retired U.S. Army Veteran, Entrepreneur, and Author, pursuing her love for making positive impact in the lives of others.
She is a Leadership expert, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alethes Consulting Group, providing leadership coaching, speaking and training to corporate executives, non-profit organizations and individuals.
She is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Speaker, a Certified Defense Financial Manager, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Mediator and a Christian radio show host for "The Rose of Sharon Show" on the Survival Radio Christian Network.
Contact Sharon at : http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/sharongreen