What do you do if your superiors and board members are difficult to connect with?

Building relationships with superiors and board members can be a complex task, especially if they seem unapproachable or have different communication styles. To connect with them effectively, you need to understand their priorities and adapt your approach accordingly. Start by observing how they interact with others and what topics they are passionate about. This will give you insight into their interests and help you find common ground. Remember, your goal is to establish trust and show that you value their perspective, so approach each interaction with respect and genuine curiosity about their viewpoints.

1 Empathy First

When attempting to connect with difficult superiors or board members, empathy is your strongest ally. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand the pressures and challenges they face. By acknowledging their position and the demands on their time, you can tailor your communication to be more effective. Show that you are there to support their goals and alleviate their burdens. This approach not only demonstrates your commitment to the organization's success but also helps build a rapport based on mutual respect and understanding.

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Manuel Infante Arata

Consultor-Director Independiente de empresas-Coach Profesional y Certificado en técnicas de Mindfulness
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La Empatía es fundamental, así también como la Escucha Activa a tus superiores jerárquicos. No sentirte intimidado por la autoridad o el poder; sino al contrario, ser asertivo (respeto mutuo), ser abierto a nuevas ideas y estar comprometido con el éxito de la organización. Estar alineado con las metas, planes y objetivos de tus superiores ayudará a tener una relación óptima. Recordar que tu superior es tu principal cliente interno, a quien le ofreces tus servicios profesionales, tu expertise y tu apoyo para lograr resultados y crecimiento rentables.

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Darshan Chavan

Featured in FORBES |TEDx Speaker | Founder | 66th "Fastest Growing" Startup in Australia | 40 Under 40|Bio-Hacker
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Initiate proactive communication by scheduling regular meetings or check-ins with superiors and board members. Tailor your approach to their preferred communication channels and styles. Demonstrate respect and professionalism in all interactions, and actively listen to their concerns and priorities. Seek opportunities to build rapport and establish trust through transparency and consistency. Be persistent yet respectful in your efforts to connect and collaborate effectively.

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Marta Raquel Rossi

Despertar o que há de melhor nas pessoas, contribuindo com o autodesenvolvimento e estimulando a plenitude profissional, proporcionando melhorias nos negócios através de consultorias e mentorias.
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Na minha experiência corporativa toda conexão inicia pela comunicação. Uma comunicação aberta, efetiva, assertiva e frequente, promove a colaboração. Promover momentos de interação e trocas é uma dica valiosa para quem busca melhorar a conexão com seus superiores, pares e times.

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2 Active Listening

Active listening is a critical skill when dealing with superiors and board members who are hard to reach. Pay close attention to what they say, and more importantly, to what they don't say. Reflect on their words and ask clarifying questions to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. By doing so, you create an environment where they feel heard and valued, which can lead to more open and productive interactions. Remember, effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking.

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Manuel Infante Arata

Consultor-Director Independiente de empresas-Coach Profesional y Certificado en técnicas de Mindfulness
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La comunicación Asertiva va de la mano con la Escucha Activa. Tú eres responsable de lo que dices; pero no de lo que el otro escucha. Por lo tanto, es de tu interés, y muestra responasabilidad, que quien te escuchó haya entendido el sentido y la intención de lo que tú dijiste. A la inversa, cuando tu escuchas, la Escucha Activa consiste en poner tu 100% de atención en lo que te dicen, y si tienes dudas o poca certeza en haber entendido, preguntar o re-preguntar para estar totalmente alineado con la intención de tus superiores.

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Darshan Chavan

Featured in FORBES |TEDx Speaker | Founder | 66th "Fastest Growing" Startup in Australia | 40 Under 40|Bio-Hacker
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Take a proactive approach to connecting with superiors and board members by seeking out opportunities for communication and engagement. Tailor your communication style to their preferences and prioritize clear and concise messaging. Demonstrate initiative and professionalism in all interactions, and be prepared to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to their feedback and input. Cultivate trust and credibility by consistently delivering results and demonstrating your commitment to the organization's mission and goals.

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3 Strategic Timing

Timing can be everything when trying to connect with your superiors and board members. Look for opportunities to engage them when they are more receptive, such as after a successful project or during a less hectic period. Avoid bombarding them with information or requests during stressful times. Instead, focus on being concise and to the point when you do have their attention. By choosing the right moment to communicate, you increase the likelihood of a positive response and a stronger connection.

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Manuel Infante Arata

Consultor-Director Independiente de empresas-Coach Profesional y Certificado en técnicas de Mindfulness
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Ser oportuno, preciso y transparente ayuda mucho a la optimización del recurso más valioso que tenemos: El tiempo. Si tú eres organizado, seguramente encontrarás el momento ideal para conversar, pedir o preguntar algo a tus superiores. También es útil 'leer' el estilo de tu jefe y en que momento del día está más tranquilo o receptivo para escuchar. El manejo del tiempo, es más un manejo de las prioridades.

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4 Shared Goals

Highlighting shared goals is a powerful way to build connections with superiors and board members. When discussing projects or ideas, emphasize how they align with the overall objectives of the organization and their personal ambitions. By demonstrating how your efforts contribute to common goals, you can create a sense of partnership and collaboration. This approach not only fosters a team mentality but also shows that you are invested in the collective success of the group.

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Manuel Infante Arata

Consultor-Director Independiente de empresas-Coach Profesional y Certificado en técnicas de Mindfulness
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Es muy importante estar alineado con tus objetivos personales y los de la organización. En ningún caso debería existir un conflicto de intereses. Siempre trabajar en equipo, potenciando las competencias de los integrantes y minimizando sus áreas de mejora.

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5 Personal Touch

Adding a personal touch can go a long way in building relationships with difficult-to-connect superiors and board members. Remembering details about their interests or acknowledging significant events in their lives can demonstrate that you see them as more than just a title. This doesn't mean overstepping professional boundaries but rather showing a level of personal interest that can humanize your interactions. Small gestures of thoughtfulness can sometimes break down barriers and pave the way for better communication.

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Manuel Infante Arata

Consultor-Director Independiente de empresas-Coach Profesional y Certificado en técnicas de Mindfulness
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En nuestra cultura latina, los detalles son muy importantes. El cumplimiento de lo ofrecido, y no ofrecer algo que sabemos que no podremos cumplir de ninguna manera o, en el plazo solicitado.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Darshan Chavan

Featured in FORBES |TEDx Speaker | Founder | 66th "Fastest Growing" Startup in Australia | 40 Under 40|Bio-Hacker
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Initiate open and transparent communication with superiors and board members, seeking opportunities to connect on a regular basis. Adapt your communication style to suit their preferences and priorities, demonstrating professionalism and respect in all interactions. Listen actively to their feedback and concerns, and be proactive in addressing any issues or challenges that arise. Build trust and rapport over time by consistently delivering high-quality work and demonstrating your dedication to the organization's success.

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What do you do if your superiors and board members are difficult to connect with?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Empathy First

2 Active Listening

3 Strategic Timing

4 Shared Goals

5 Personal Touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

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What do you do if your superiors and board members are difficult to connect with?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Empathy First

2 Active Listening

3 Strategic Timing

4 Shared Goals

5 Personal Touch

6 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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