Interpersonal Communications
Societies convey meaning in a number of ways. One way is through the use of symbols such as traffic lights to which we have ascribed agreed meanings: red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go. Language also conveys meaning through a set of symbols, the words we use. However, the difference between words and traffic lights is that we do not all agree on the meaning individual words convey.
The International Coaching Centre Inc. works with managers and leaders in organizations who have received feedback – often through a 360º process or through a performance appraisal — that their communications need improving. Their team may, for example, feel that their leader is harsh and abrupt. Having received the negative feedback, the leader looks for ways to improve and often decides to take a communications course.
While training can be beneficial, unless the participant is able to spot exactly what behaviours and language are causing the team to feel as they do, the leader will not know how or what to change to improve communications within the team. The mystified leader does not intend to be harsh and abrupt … what exact language is he or she using that unintentionally conveys this meaning?
Using our expertise in linguistics and leadership, and observing the person as he or she interacts with others on the job, we are able to identify the exact words and specific behaviours that are causing the dissatisfaction. Having identified the specific language and behaviours that are sending the unintended meanings, we then work with the leader to consider and practice alternatives. Over time, with coaching support, the leader is able to modify his or her language to get more positive outcomes and results within the team.
For more information about interpersonal communications coaching, please call 613-225-0547 or email info@internationalcoach.com.