Speak Up and Earn More (Eat the Frog)

Improve Your Communication Skills

I was recently in a conversation with a prospective new client, who was interested in engaging me to speak to his team.

During the meeting, he asked me to answer the following question.

How do I describe to my colleagues what you do in a sentence?

My answer was as follows

“I give people increased confidence”

The vehicle I use to increase confidence levels in individuals is by improving their communication skills.

The majority of people, no matter what level they are in their career, are reluctant (fearful) when asked to speak to groups.

Why speak up?

Speaking up is the skill good employers are seeking, and also an ability for which they are willing to pay a premium.

Wherever a group of people are gathered around a table to discuss an issue, the event will always be more successful when everybody at the meeting has an opportunity and the confidence to air their views.

Chairing a meeting

Often the people who add the most value to meetings are the ones who see things differently.

“March to the beat of a different drummer.”

Which puts an onus on the person leading the meeting to ensure everybody attending the meeting gets an opportunity to speak and be listened to.

Leaders should listen more

Research has frequently shown that the number one demotivational factor is:

“NOBODY LISTENS TO ME!”

The above is as true in your personal life, as it is in your business career!

ACTION FOR EMPLOYERS:

Create an environment that is open and accepting of people’s ideas.

ACTION FOR EMPLOYEES:

Have the confidence to speak up and see your career advance in leaps and bounds.

By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie