Being Effective Part 4

The trick is to remain focused on the outcome you desire, without becoming consumed by it. Take regular time for fun, family and friends, no matter how busy you are. Often, the less you work the more effective you’ll be.

How clearly do you communicate? The way you communicate has a tremendous impact on your effectiveness. The more clearly and positively you communicate with others, the more effective you’ll become at getting things accomplished.

Learn to communicate with precision. Avoid the use of nebulous, confusing terms. Make absolutely sure that you understand the person with whom you’re talking, and that he or she understands you. If the other person uses vague terms or if there is something you don’t understand, ask for clarification. It’s easy to do. It won’t offend the other person. In fact they’ll be flattered that you are so interested in what they’re saying. The goal of effective communication is understanding on both sides.

Use positive language. Avoid the use of negative wording whenever possible. Negative language sends a mixed message. For example, if you tell your child “Don’t run in the street,” the overall message is very strongly opposed to running in the street. But a portion of the message is “run in the street.” In order to comprehend what you’re saying, your child must visualize herself running in the street. A more effective, more positive, more direct, way to say the same thing would be, “Stay away from the street.” Of course there are some times when it is absolutely necessary to state something in the negative. It pays, though, to look for a positive way of communicating whenever possible, so that your words are more direct and effective.

Here’s a way you can profoundly increase your effectiveness. Rise above all the pettiness. Focus your time and attention on the things that really matter, rather than the little, meaningless things.
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