I received some coaching this week about answering questions. As you may well imagine, I have a tendency to tell a few stories, add some interesting layers of detail and make a few jokes when being asked questions. I have come to know that I am a storyteller. However, in this scenario I was being coached for an occasion where none of that would have been helpful. The person gave me two important pieces of advice. First, repeat the question in your head, replay it and determine what information the question is seeking. Secondly, take a pause, take the time to have a think, answer what is being asked, there are no points for speed. It got me thinking about how we usually rush through things and how I can get all excited when I am talking with friends and sharing stories and laughs. There is a quote that I see often that says that the trouble with communication is that we are waiting to reply and not really listening. We are, sometimes, waiting to top the story, or insert humour, or insert another story that adds to the topic at hand. However, what I was practicing in this session, was just answering, just communicating, just listening and thinking and working to understand what is being asked. I think it is worth the effort. I think when we really listen, we make a connection, I think when we answer what is being asked, we really communicate and in that way every conversation becomes an opportunity to make great things happen. Maybe just have a think about all that I have said and pondered here; do you think you could give it a try? Don’t answer right away.
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