In an ever-competitive and expanding business world, with a diversity of cultures and backgrounds in and outside the workplace coupled with the challenge of constant change, effective communication can be quite a challenge for some. Communicating and establishing a culture of trust are foundational necessities in connecting people and producing extraordinary collaborative results.
Take away trust, and leaders will have little to no ability to influence other people’s actions, let alone producing excellent results. While other competencies, such as emotional and personality intelligence, are essential, none have the same effect and impact on building trust that communication and conversational intelligence have.
COMMUNICATION AND CONVERSATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: What is it?
Communication is the process of imparting and, in most cases, exchanging information. However, Judith E. Glaser said in her book “Conversational Intelligence: How Great Leaders Build Trust and Get Extraordinary Results” that communication is not merely selecting the right words to say but also evoking trust and connection through those words. The ability to establish trust and connection through effective communication is an innate characteristic of conversational intelligence.
The philosophy of conversational intelligence is anchored on a “we-centric” approach as it is “the hardwired ability in all humans to connect, engage, and navigate with others.”
COMMUNICATION AND CONVERSATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: How can they be practiced and mastered?
You can start by understanding the different levels of conversations that happen regularly. Each of these levels is used with different goals and for different outcomes — and discerning which type is most suited for a specific situation will play a significant role in mastering the philosophy of Communication and Conversational Intelligence.
LEVEL ONE: TRANSACTIONAL CONVERSATIONS
Conversations are merely for the exchange of information rather than persuasion. Most commonly, these have an “ask-tell” dynamic; hence low-level information is allowed to be shared.
LEVEL TWO: POSITIONAL CONVERSATIONS
These conversations are not a mere exchange of information but are conversations with an intention to persuade by advocating for something or defending a certain point of view.
LEVEL THREE: TRANSFORMATIVE CONVERSATIONS
Contrary to the previous levels, this level is more dynamic and collaborative as it is the highest form of conversation. This involves an exchange of information, collaborative work towards new ideas, and the creation of shared solutions. Collaboration at this level occurs through “co-creating conversations.”
COMMUNICATION AND CONVERSATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why are they important?
These two — communication and conversational intelligence — are significant keys to achieving success in life and business. Both of these keys are observed religiously by corporate leaders and coaches as these roles require a great deal of relationship with people. For you to understand the importance of these two key philosophies, the Chief Executive Officer of Ripple VAs, Jezrel Perez, has presented us substantial ways on how she practices communication and conversational intelligence in her experience as CEO and as a Coach at Ripple Success Academy:
Key to a lasting and effective relationship. Through effective communication and conversational intelligence, everyone in the organization can share the same vision, mission, and goals. Also, it is through conversations that issues, concerns, and suggestions can be heard, understood, and addressed — which is essential for building trust and connection.
Improves the work environment. If you establish a “we-centric” culture inside the organization, or even with your friends, you can foster more trust, thereby removing barriers of miscommunication. A communicative style of leadership allows you to assess which areas need improvement and at the same time establish a harmonious relationship with everyone.
Greater satisfaction and better results. A collaborative and communicative approach towards leadership and business is based on trust and harmony, rather than power and fear. With this, conversational intelligence starts building a new dynamic that enables happier and more engaged teams — producing higher satisfaction and yielding extraordinary results.
Encourages creativity and innovation. Once a rich culture of trust and connection has been established, people can consult with one another. There, everyone can openly pitch creative and innovative ideas without fear and uncertainty.
Jezrel Perez, CEO and Coach, believes that the breakthroughs of Ripple VAs, a virtual assistance company, are results of effective communication and conversations. Indeed, the ability to condition the brain for trust, collaboration, and mutual success can be a game-changer and a powerful skill.
Ripple VAs hopes that, through the knowledge you have gained, you can initiate conversations and support extraordinary and beyond creative results.
Comments