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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Rather than loudly blaring and flashing your products and services, try simply explaining why you are building them.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 24, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Inspired by a combination of Simon Sinek's "Discover Your Why" [The Golden Circle of Why-How-What] and Mark Weber's approach to conflict resolution [the Interests-Rights-Power Circle].

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Marketing | Sales | Thought Tweets

When business leaders express their difficulties, we should listen well before we attempt to suggest solutions.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 24, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Often, when business leaders express difficulties we either:

  • wave them off and change the topic,
  • reply with a difficulty of their own, or
  • reply with a quick and concrete piece of solution-advice.

These 3 reactions provide little if any value to the business leader [or to us].

If we want to help business leaders then we need to change the way we react/reply when we hear them express their difficulties. We need to listen better. We need to do our best to get into their shoes. We need to think, coming at the difficulty from different directions/perspectives. We need to do these things to (1) improve the quality of our response and (2) build trust with the leader.

When these things are done, then we can help with solutions.

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Leaders' Thoughts | Thought Tweets

Communication tip: If you're in the dark, don't make light of things.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 23, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Optimism, Pessimism, & Realism... how do you find the right overall balance and the right strategy for the situation at hand?

Some thoughts:

  1. Overall, be Optimistic: look for the bright side, consider the possibilities, be around and listen to others who are enthusiastic. Optimists live happier lives.
  2. Place realistic bounds on Optimism. Despite what they say about big, hairy audacious goals -BHAGs are not for everyone. And, often, over-zealous optimism injures other people.
  3. Pessimism demotivates. If you are naturally pessimistic...think before your share your views and your body language.
  4. Leaders - anticipate situations. And plan for situations...of course not all situations - but some. Recognize some people handle stress well and some folks handle stress poorly.

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Thought Tweets

About Communication: When there's no reason or rhyme it's time to change your tune.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 23, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Human beings are biased creatures. One bias is known as the rhyme-as-reason effect.

According to Wikipedia -

"The rhyme-as-reason effect is a cognitive bias whereupon a saying or aphorism is judged as more accurate or truthful when it is rewritten to rhyme." And "For an example of the persuasive quality of the rhyme-as-reason effect, see "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit," the signature phrase used by Johnnie Cochran to gain acquittal for O.J. Simpson in Simpson's murder trial."

Consider the rhyme-as-reason bias when you:

  • create leader's messages
  • create marketing communications

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Thought Tweets

Communication tip: If there's no two ways about it, it isn't good conversation.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 22, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Well...it's an idiom wrapped up in an aphorism wrapped up in a bit of truism.

Communication works best when at least two people are engaged in it.

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Humour | Thought Tweets

Communication tip: If you want to be a leader in your industry sector, return phone calls and respond to e-mail.

by Rick Baker
On Aug 22, 2014

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Successful people seem to have more time. Also, with the current trend of slackening business etiquette, returning phone calls and responding to e-mail will be a differential advantage.

Why not take the lead...in a return to common courtesy, improved communication, and real relationships.

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Leaders' Thoughts | Thought Tweets

Copyright © 2012. W.F.C (Rick) Baker. All Rights Reserved.