Are You Up to the Communication Challenge?

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• November 2009 Issue
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From the Nov. 2009 Issue

A silver lining from the economic downturn has been the return of some focus on customer service and loyalty. All consumers today — individuals and businesses — scrutinize their choices more closely to ensure they get value, be it dinner out, a new electronic device or professional services. The survivors and the winners are those who can showcase what separates them. In these times, better communication can be a big differentiator.

John, a project manager for a business consulting firm, found that out after he spent a week out of town at a management leadership workshop. He was having some challenges with customer satisfaction, although most often the work done was very good. The workshop covered many of the business situations John had experienced and recommended using different communication tools and techniques to help change the outcome. John committed to try them out as soon as he got back to the office. We’re joining him on his first week back to see how what he’s learned has changed some of his habits.

THE “NEED TO REMEMBER MY POINT” CHALLENGE:
The last time John met with consultants on a new project, he had been so focused on a point he had to make that he didn’t hear when everyone agreed to do their client check-in meeting by phone. John had been trying to encourage more face-to-face meetings and had totally missed this — a real loss for the company. John is now determined to use a workshop tip: The simple discipline of writing down a few words as a reminder frees you back up to be totally engrossed in the conversation at hand and not distracted trying to remember something.

THE “WAS MY E-MAIL READ THE WAY I MEANT IT?” CHALLENGE:
As he rushed out of town for his workshop, John sent off a quick e-mail to his assistant, Brad. “Can’t wait to fix what we are doing wrong!!” When he got back, he found out his comment had been taken as a negative commentary on Brad, instead of showing his excitement at a new growth area. If face to face, John would have realized (and clarified) what he meant right then. With email, you are using less than 10 percent of your communication skills. No wonder it is challenging. Always re-read your emails, text messages and tweets to make sure people hear what you really are saying. Punctuation can be vital, too!

THE “ELEPHANT ON THE TABLE” CHALLENGE:
John and his team had recognized that one of their client’s team members, George, was not catching on to the training and slowing progress enough to cause delays. George was well liked, so everyone was uncomfortable to say what needed to be said. John had specifically asked about this at the workshop since he saw firsthand where situations like this often end badly. Early intervention may be painful in the short term, but it’s usually right for the long term.

Upon his return, John asked for a private meeting with the client for a project update. He reviewed the positives and complimented the team, then said there was one team member challenge — trying to get George up to speed. He asked the company president for some ideas and came away with some insights that helped get George over the hump. The technique: open communication.

THE “TIME EXPECTATION” CHALLENGE:
John always has kick-off meetings at the start of every job. This last one was small, creating a new vendor analysis report. John and the client had agreed on the layout and investment, so when the client had to reschedule the meeting he suggested they had what they needed and would get going. Ten days later, the client called John asking for the report. John thought he had two more weeks, but that got lost in the lack of communication. John has since revised his templates so that proposals clarify time frames.