By Steve Adubato, PhD
Pushy communication doesn’t connect. Consider the scene. Two long-time business associates, Joe and Jim are deep in conversation at a cocktail reception. As they talk about an upcoming event that both are actively involved in, two women approach them while one says to Jim; “Hi, I’m Jane Jones and this is my colleague Sally Smith. We’ve tried to reach out for you several times to get you to speak at our organization. You never responded. I know you are speaking at the reception tonight, so we’ll call you next week and try to work out the arrangements for you to come to our next event.”
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Interruptions are a big part of the communication game. We interrupt each other in conversations, presentations and in our every day communication both at work and at home. But are interruptions always bad? Normal or healthy interruptions have been referred to by communication researchers as “overlap.” NO big deal here. The problem occurs when you consistently are unable to finish a point because of interruptions or your own habit of interrupting others. Some questions about interruptions.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
It’s time to take a closer look at what some have called “um-itis.” You know, that irritating habit many communicators have of using useless phrases and non-words such as “um,” “ah” or their communication cousin’s “like,” “you know” and one of the most irritating, “okay.” Some questions about “um-itis.”
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Many people connect charisma to communication. The Greek root of charisma is ‘kharis,’ which simply means grace. We often refer to prominent leaders of yesterday and today who were charismatic and in turn perceived as great communicators – John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Ronald Reagan and more recently U.S. Senator Barack Obama. These charismatic figures attract attention. You’re drawn to them. They have a certain presence that makes what they say and how they say it significant.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Last week explored the employee that is just not cutting it. This week we examine the MVE (“Most Valuable Employee”) who is critical to the organization’s success. Many believe that managers are supposed to “treat every employee the same.” Not true. We should treat everyone fairly, but definitely not the same.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Consider a scenario that many leaders face where they often fail to communicate in an effective fashion. Ultimately great leadership is about handling tough situations. It is also knowing how to communicate in a direct, empathetic and diplomatic way.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Former President Bill Clinton is one of the most dynamic and effective communicators of our time. Politics aside, Clinton is a master at revving up a crowd and connecting on an emotional and powerful level. Even those who disagreed with Clinton when he was president, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, said that Bill Clinton’s charm and easy communication style was engaging. However, even the great communicators like Bill Clinton sometimes miss the mark.