The Biggest Problem in Communication

Have You Eaten Grandma?

There’s a great book about the English language called ‘Have you Eaten Grandma?’. 

Anyone can spot the difference between asking ‘Have you eaten, Grandma?’ and ‘HAVE YOU EATEN GRANDMA?!’ Someone overhearing from another room would not mistake one question for the other, even though the words are the same. 

Does communicating with people in your business ever feel like you’re not speaking the same language? It’s easy to blame someone else for not getting it, but the truth is that strengthening your communication skills is one of the fastest ways to build a stronger business.

Here are 3 tips for effective business communication: 

1.  Prepare in advance. 

Take a few extra minutes before launching into the conversation to get clear on what you need to say, and how, and what you’d like them to do with the information. It increases the chances of articulating your points well, and decreases the risk that you’ll say something the wrong way. 

2.  Forget the Golden Rule. 

Instead of treating someone as you want to be treated, treat them the way THEY want to be treated (I call it the Platinum Rule).

Everyone has different preferences. Some are more direct, others are more chatty. Some prefer a fast-paced, rapid-fire delivery, and others need you to slow down and talk through each point. Some need time apart to process the message internally, and others will want to talk it through out loud. Learn the communication preferences of the people in your business, and meet them where they’re at. 

3.  Lean into non-verbal communication. 

Just like in the book title “Have You Eaten Grandma?”, while words are an important element of human communication, our full meaning is lost when we don’t pay attention to tone (speed, volume, intonation) and body language.

One study showed that only 7% of communication is in the words we choose, 38% in tone, and 55% in body language – meaning that if you’re only communicating via email and text message, you’ve missed 93% of your opportunity to get your intended message across!

The secret to true communication is in the response you get. If you’re not getting the response you want, what can you do to change that? 

Free Webinar: Steps for Systemizing Your Business

On September 12, 12:00pm EST, I’m partnering with HRAI to host a free online webinar on unlocking next-level growth for your business!

This webinar will cover:

• 9 steps to fully systemize your business.
• How to delegate effectively without losing control.
• Management systems for team productivity.

These strategies, steps, and systems are relevant across all industries, so even though it is originally hosted for HAVCR businesses, all are welcome to attend!

Click the image below to register!

Profit First: By Mike Michalowicz 

Have you read the book of the month yet? If not, consider checking it out to challenge conventional business accounting with a behavioral approach, prioritizing profit first. Mike introduces simple principles you can use to achieve long-term growth and feel more secure and confident in your decisions.