Increase the effectiveness of your communication and take ownership of your career and client relationships.

Effective communication saves you both time and money, improving relationships within your team and with your clients. It is a skill that most have yet to master because there is always room for improvement, especially given the changes in technology altering the way we communicate daily.

In my previous article, “Effective communication is essential to your success,” I outlined four main reasons why communication is important to master. Today we are going to dig deeper into how to become a better communicator, and how you can harness your communication skills to advance your career and relationships. 

The most important quality effective communicators have is their ability to listen. Stephen R. Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, asserts: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” When we fail to listen to understand, we fail to grasp the full picture. We are more concerned with ourselves when our focus should be on the one speaking. When we shift our focus away from ourselves, we are able to better formulate a thoughtful, appropriate response. 

Now for the response. Lawyers know how to talk. It’s what makes many lawyers exceptional lawyers. However, a good communicator knows when to omit unnecessary information. It is important to be clear and concise so your main point is communicated accurately. Adding unnecessary details can waste people’s time and confuse them. Be friendly, but don’t make it longer than it has to be. 

Effective communication allows you to form deeper relationships and build trust between both parties. In order to better serve your clients and take ownership of the relationship, it is essential that you know your audience so you can best frame your message towards them. Knowing your audience means shifting how you deliver your message to different audiences depending on personalities, relationships, situations, etc. For instance, when talking with your clients, make it about them. Ask open-ended questions and speak with confidence and conviction.

Confidence is the glue that holds everything together. Confidence flows from a variety of things, but some of the most important are knowledge and awareness. When you know the subject matter you are communicating about, then you will be more at ease and therefore more effectively communicate your ideas to others. Confidence is not cocky. Confidence is being proud of your success and recognizing that you have the skills and knowledge to serve your clients and your team well. 

Communication takes practice. Shift to a growth mindset and remind yourself that there is always room for improvement. If you continuously strive to be an effective communicator, you will see success in your career and your relationships.