Art Jacoby's Monthly Newsletters

Newsletter Library - February 2006

Be Direct

Our time and dollars are wasted every day in interactions that could have been accomplished in much less time. participants beat around the bush, send mixed signals and leave others wondering what to do, when decisions will be made and how to make progress? This is a staggering problem (and nuisance).

Here's how to operate in direct mode:

First, systematize communication processes. Establish regularly scheduled meetings with relatively fixed Agendas. Have protocols for impromptu meetings.

Second, structure your communications. Decide the content that you want to communicate. Assign it an accurate label--data, an opinion, a thought, a concern. Then, construct a statement that succinctly communicates the content and labels it appropriately for the listener or reader.

Third, confirm that others understand what you’ve said. And let them know when you don’t understand completely what they are saying. If properly done, participants will understand both the content and the context of the discussion...without breaking a sweat.

Be direct and save time, money and aggravation.

Art Jacoby advises high potential growth companies.

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