KACHARAGADLA

When it comes to communication, we all tend to think we’re pretty good at it. Truth is, even those of us who are good communicators aren’t nearly as good as we think we are. This overestimation of our ability to communicate is magnified when interacting with people we know well. Researchers at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business put this theory to the test and what they discovered is startling. In the study, the researchers paired subjects with people they knew well and then again with people they’d never met. The researchers discovered that people who knew each other well understood each other no better than people who’d just met! Even worse, participants frequently overestimated their ability to communicate, and this was more pronounced with people they knew well. “Our problem in communicating with friends is that we have an illusion of insight,” said study co-author Nicholas Epley. “Getting close to someone appears to create the illusion of understanding more

At the heart of successful leadership and great business is great communication. The way you communicate as a leader is important. The right tone, the right voice, the right body language--these elements are as important as the words you say, sometimes more. Having a leader who understands the principles of great communication can make the difference between a collaborative team and one that goes in circles. If we can get our communication right, we can build strong teams, be persuasive with clients and generally accelerate our business. Here are some principles to remember. 1. Customize your communication. Consistency is important, but that doesn't mean you should speak the same way to everyone. Customize your messages in light of what you know about the listener. Some people like details, some like the big picture, and some people want to hear only about the bottom line. Pay attention to their cues and tailor your communication accordingly. 2. Acti

How we communicate largely determines what we experience in life. It influences how much money we make, every relationship we have and where we go in our career.  Our income can be limited if we are unable to pitch our product to a client, ask for a desired salary in an interview or request a raise from management. On the other hand, the depth of our relationships will be constrained if we don't have the confidence to approach new people or have the ability to resolve conflict and express ourselves.   Yet how often do we actually practice this art? Most of the time we tend to just wing it and learn as we go. Unfortunately, throughout our lives, most of us pick up some devastating yet subtle habits that can ruin conversations. And the biggest problem is that we think some of the habits are good communication tactics.  When I coach leaders and other professionals on how to elevate human performance in business, I come across these far too often. Understanding how hum

The former talk show host Larry King once said, “Here’s what I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.”  Communication experts consider good listening an even greater accomplishment than speaking well. Most people will agree that listening well takes a lot more energy than talking.  When you’re on a sales call with a VIP client who represents a big sale (and a big commission), you make the best impression by listening intently to what he or she has to say, asking incisive questions and paying attention to the answers as if your career depends on it.  We’re all drawn to people who make us feel special, and being listened to is the one behavior that will do it for us every time. Here are some ways to enhance your listening skills.  1. Listen with your whole self. Maintain eye contact without staring or glaring. Concentrate on the speaker and lean slightly forward to communicate that you