What You Don't Say Is What You Don't Get

Hi Everyone,

Recently I was startled and upset to be on the receiving end of silence when I needed to be informed. We all know that silence can wreak havoc. No news is not good news!

This was silence of two types, and each type had a profound effect.

One type was about schedules and upcoming meetings. Without that I could not plan my schedule or my assistants' schedules most effectively. When the meeting time was moved back weeks at the last minute, it was tough. You know about that. We have all been there. I needed more notice.

But wait, there's more. (Ok, I know, but I couldn't resist.)

The second type of silence was the lack of opportunity to be included in the process,
to give support, to understand, to be a part of what was happening, to make it easier
for both of us, perhaps to create a backup plan.

Had I known the issues and concerns underneath the last minute delay,
I would not have been upset. Furthermore, when I heard the reason for the silence,
I was amazed. Never would have guessed it! When I knew, I could clear it up
immediately and clearly.

Lessons to the wise:

1. Plan communications so you avoid costly upsetting silences. An ounce of prevention....
2. Find out the reason underneath the silence.
3. Talk it over in a positive way, making sure you ask for the positives you need.
4. Don't complain about what you did not get. State what happened and describe the impact on you and your business.
5. Appreciate the other person's views and good will efforts to do the right things.
6. Use this opportunity to learn how to better support the other person, ask what you can do better as well ask asking for what you need. Make it a 2-way street for improving communications.
7. Appreciate the other person for being willing to communicate about the issue.

Bottom Line
It's the information age. Remember information about the process is important to be shared as well as the business information. A more open process gives you better results.
What You Say Is What You Get(R)!

Wishing you a more enjoyable communication process and great results!

Dr. Linne

"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Amazon Bestseller, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Leaders! and a new book
on the Future of Leadership Power!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote

Visit our positive new blog:
http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com

Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.