Author: Mark S. Brown

Communication is a subject with many facets, and the subject of study for many. We all need to communicate and most of us can benefit from improving our speaking ability. Let’s look at four things to consider in improving your communication.

1. Be Your Message. For people to listen to your message you must have credibility. If you don’t, people will not tune it. So you must be viewed as your message. You must walk the talk. You must be the example for the message you want to convey.

2. Say It Plain. You don’t need complex words or descriptions. Say it clearly. Say it simply. Say it plainly. Your message will be absorbed more the faster people can grasp the words.

3. Know Your Audience. It is not just about the message, but about delivering the message to a target group of people. So you must know those people. How can you deliver a message that is important to them.

4. Get A Response. You are delivering this message for a reason. Make sure your audience responds appropriately. If it is a call for action, confirm they get started. If you are delivering knowledge, make sure they understand by practicing. It is not just about delivering the message, but eliciting a response.

Follow these tips to make your communication more effective. People will listen and take action when directed from credible source with a simple message and a defined expectation.

I like John C. Maxwell’s idea about character. He says, “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.” There are many things in life in which we have no control. But our character is completely within our control.

Character is built. You don’t create your character instantly, but it develops as you make choices in life. You define your character with your words, your decisions, your actions, and even your thoughts.

Character is you, and you know the person you are striving to be. However, character is also what others see of you. Others can not understand your intent or your thoughts, so their view of your character is based on your actions and words.

You can improve your character, and even repair and rebuild your character. Follow the following steps to make improvements:

1. Reflect on your actions over the last month. Where have you cut corners, or made decisions that may have hurt others? How could you have done things differently? Where do you have weaknesses? When do you consistently put yourself ahead of others?

2. Fix your errors. Recognize where your actions have not matched the character you want to be. Make a list of people you have hurt. Take time to apologize and rebuild your character in the eyes of those people.

3. Look to the future. Decide to live and be the character you want to be. Look in the mirror and define where you need to change to prevent mistakes you have made in the past. Challenge yourself to ALWAYS put others before you.

Character is a choice! Choose to be the person you deserve to be.

Last week I wrote about the reflective thinking process. So I thought this week I would share some of the questions I use to prompt myself on the reflective process.

I print these questions and keep them inside my journal. Sometimes I just start the process with some of these questions. My list is not all encompassing, and I suggest you build a list of questions that will spark your reflection.

1. What did I do that was very effective today?
2. What did I do that was not very effective today?
3. How can I improve tomorrow?
4. What did I learn today?
5. What did I learn about myself today?
6. Where did I stretch myself out of my comfort zone?
7. Did my actions reflect my values?
8. What could I have done that would have better demonstrated my values?
9. Did I send mixed messages to anyone?
10. Did I actively listen when people spoke with me?
11. How did I serve my team today?
12. How did I serve my family today?
13. What did I do that was aligned with my purpose?
14. What distracted me today?
15. Did I keep a positive attitude?
16. Did I treat everyone I met with respect?
17. Was my passion unleashed?
18. What did I do to strengthen my relationships?
19. Did I put myself before others at any point today?
20. Were my responsibilities completed?
21. Did I take advantage of opportunities to teach?
22. How did I spend my time?
23. Did lack of courage stop me from acting when needed?
24. Am I proud of my character today?
25. What false limitations have I placed on myself?
26. If I knew I was going to be successful, what action would I take?

The list can be anything that makes you reflect. The journey should help you become who you want to be, and who you deserve to be.

 

Plato said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” When is the last time you sat down to examine your life?

Reflection and planning is the only way to turn experience into learning. The process can drive us to new levels if used regularly with honest and probing depth. All great leaders practiced the art of reflective thinking. These are people that change the world. These are people that work towards living life being the best that they can be. Some examples include Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln.

How do you become good at reflective thinking? It takes disciplined practice. A conscious effort. You must also have a desire to improve, and a drive to increase your potential.

John Maxwell has defined five key actions that will put you on the right track.

#1 Set aside time for reflection

This process does not happen naturally. We are too busy. If you don’t schedule time, it is unlikely if you will consistently practice reflective thinking.

#2 Remove yourself from distractions

Reflective thinking requires solitude. This means turning off the television, the music, your phone, and just disconnect for a few minutes to think.

#3 Regularly review your calendar or journal

These show you how you have spent your time. Check to see if your actions are aligned with your goals, your values, and with the activities that reward you.

#4 Ask the right questions

This is an area that will only improve with practice. Learning what to ask is a skill that you will develop. It is handy to keep a few cards of key questions that you can refer to that will help you jump start a reflective thinking session.

#5 Cement your learning through action

Nothing will help you grow faster than putting your thoughts into action. This is where reflection and planning become linked. It is deciding what actions will improve you that will expand your awareness and your potential.

Develop the discipline to follow these key five initiatives and watch your success grow.