Here’s another installment in my continuing my series on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Communicators.
HABIT 6: SYNERGIZE
Covey calls this the habit of “creative cooperation,” meaning that together, two or more people can create something far better than any individual alone could possibly create. Rarely, however, do people think about “teamwork” in the context of effective communication. Why? Because generally they’re focused on themselves. Who they are. What they have to say. Why they’re important. But the opposite couldn’t be more true. In the case of effective communication, the way to generate creative cooperation is to promote, encourage and create dialogue. Then in that dialogue a really cool dynamic occurs … a message is sent, received AND understood.
How to incorporate it:
Always engage another person in your communication effort, whether it’s an editor, proofreader, colleague or customer. Involve at least one other person in writing the copy, preparing the speech or developing the script. My work portfolio is rife with really good – yet really collaborative – work. Yes, I write well. It’s my job and I take pride in doing great work. But my work is always, always made better through the addition of another perspective. I have creative teams, clients and even family members to thank for adding a new dimension to my writing. Don’t believe me? Pick up any book, fiction or nonfiction, and read the acknowledgements. It takes a team to be a best-selling author.
