Kimrey Davis Tefft

Decades ago we used to talk about “WIIFM,” what’s in it for me. Whenever we needed someone else to do something we wanted them to do, it was imperative to help them see how it would benefit THEM. This simple concept is still very much relevant today…..perhaps even more so. Staying positive through a conversation doesn’t mean that you’re smiling and laughing and rainbows are everywhere. It means keep the conversation going in a productive manner, one in which the outcomes will benefit both of you 🏆 You can control the conversation as well as the positive and productive tone of it with modern skills for communication. Most people aren’t born with those! They are things you can learn, practice and master!

Not every conversation you have is critical. Those you can wing. When you know you need to have one where strong emotions may apply and there’s a lot at stake, preparation is directly tied to results. One of the best skills I ever learned was to set my own intentions prior to having the conversation. Without realizing it, your motives may be to save face, prove you’re right and they’re wrong, place blame, etc. Those motives rarely yield the results you REALLY want. They are just boxing gloves for a fight that will have a loser. Think about what you really want to come out of the conversation- a stronger connection, more trust and respect, more support, a better working relationship with them, etc. and tell your boss THOSE things first.

Working in customer service of any kind required me as a leader to know the job satisfaction levels of my team members on a daily basis- not just when surveys were administered by corporate. A team member’s level of effort was directly tied to it so if I wanted the best business results, it required me to do ONE critical thing……ASK QUESTIONS!! In a team environment, ignorance is NOT bliss! If you don’t know where to begin- start by asking your team 4 magic questions: 1. What words would you use to describe the way we are working together now? 2. What words do you WISH you could say about how we work together? 3. What are the consequences for staying the same? 4. What ideas do you have to help us improve teamwork and communication?

Sometimes it’s hard to fully express what executive coaches have done for me over the course of my lifetime! I’ve experienced both sides of this - being coached and serving as an executive coach for the past 13 years- there is simply a higher gear, a yet unrealized vision and level of you, your performance, your life that not only comes into sharper focus but becomes more easily attainable when you have the support, confidence, guidance, inspiration and accountability that comes from having a professional in your corner focused solely on your success. Thank you to all of my coaches and to each individual that has entrusted me to serve as theirs.

Too often I hear people say “I just don’t have time to have a face to face conversation. I can say what I want faster and easier using technology.” Then they go on to tell me all of the fall out and hours, pain, suffering and hardships that occurred after sending that “faster” communication. Consider today what just one effective conversation could get you back in terms of hours of productivity and improved relationships. If it’s important, it’s worth your effort up front- not on the back end.

Knowledge sharing and learning accomplish two things: 1. Increased speed of innovation and 2. Exponential growth that can’t be realized when an individual operates in a vacuum. SHARE generously and open your mind to RECEIVE generously from others!! Take what fits and multiply your potential!