Tips for Communicators

Magic Words Make Magic Days

Want to build strong working relationships and foster positive, dynamic communication?  Make it a point to use one of these “magic phrases” each day with the people around you:

• “May I help you with the project you’re working on?”
• “Will you help me with a project I’m working on?”
• “You do a wonderful job on this.”
• “I really appreciate your help on this task.”
• “What do you think about this issue?”
• “I’m really depending on you as we embark on this task.”
• “You’re very knowledgeable about this issue, and I’m hoping you’ll help me learn more about it.”
• "I appreciate your commitment."

Delegate Right by Communicating Right

If you manage assistants, staffers, vendors or freelancers, you’re probably delegating all the time.

Communication skills are crucial to great delegation. To make delegation work for you, remember to offer:

• Outcomes – the specific products or “end results” of the assignment.
• Help in quantifying objectives and benchmarks other people will need to reach along the way.
• Problem-solving skills. Remember: you develop your people by helping them learn how to solve problems, not solving problems for them.
• A clear description of authority. How much initiative do you want your people to take, and how do you want to be involved in the assignment?
• A listening ear and an open door - always welcome and always conducive to great communication.