Three Communication Habits to Kick to the Curb

Happy New Year, friends! As a #PR gal (ahem, highly educated strategic communicator), I typically focus on the positive.

But today, as we usher in a New Year, I’d like to give you three communication habits to kick to the curb in 2023.

Head's up: doing this will change your life.

I’m not peddling miracles here, folks. None of this works if you don’t do it.

But if you DO it….you will probably have less arguments. And be less frustrated. And you’ll likely perform better at work. And feel more understood.

Ready to reap all these benefits? Let’s dive into the don’ts for 2023!

1) Don’t send messages immediately

This goes for emails, texts, tweets – any communication. Wait on it all.

Instead: Draft it, hold a while (overnight if it’s important), read it carefully with fresh eyes, edit with a clear mind, then finally….send.

Why?

We are in “insta” land where technology has generated a false panic around publishing now Now NOW.

The result is half-thought communication, leading to more misunderstandings and time spent unwinding mixed messages.

The antidote is to pause. Fight the urge to respond immediately. By intentionally putting some time between the crafting and sending of each message, you’ll find an ease and clarity in your daily communications.

2) Don’t have conversations when you’re not ready

Ever find yourself in a conversation you wish you weren’t in?

Don’t stay!

This is a habit we’ve developed to show “politeness,” but in truth we’re better communicators when we’re honest about our availability to listen.

Communication is a two-way street. There's always a sender and a receiver. If you’re not in the mindset to really hear what is being shared, communicate that proactively.

For example, if someone catches you in the hallway and starts a conversation you’re not ready for, interrupt them gently but firmly.

Something like “Excuse me (or) forgive me – I’m not in a mindset where I can give this the attention it deserves. Could we schedule a time to talk?”

By separating yourself until you’re ready to listen, you’ll be a more strategic, thoughtful, and effective receiver when you resume the conversation.

3) Don’t assume you understood

In our fast-paced business world, we often plow forward with messages as we receive them, only to find out later we didn’t quite have the whole story.

This can make for a frustrating afternoon in anyone’s week.

The remedy here is to take time up front to ensure what you understood matches what the sender intended.

To do this, ask clarifying questions or take a moment to repeat back what you understood from the initial communication.

This extra “double check” can make all the difference in ensuring you are happily and effectively communicating.

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Are these strategies actually life-changing? Give ‘em a try and let me know below – I’m always up for a conversation.

Thanks for listening, and cheers to a beautiful, happy, and effectively communicated year ahead!