Image result for “The goal of effective communication should be for listeners to say, ‘Me, too!’ versus ‘So what?'”

The late great Jim Rohn, was more than just a great speaker, he was a modern day philosopher. One of my favorite quotes by him The goal of effective communication should be for listeners to say, ‘Me, too!’ versus ‘So what?’” epitomizes what communication should be all about, especially in the workplace.

As a leader, being able to communicate effectively is probably your best asset. But communication is more than just great articulation and powerful prose. No, the most important part of communicating is eliciting a meaningful, even emotional, response from your listeners. As you go into the weekend, thank about how you communicate with your employees. Are you doing everything you can to convey messages to them that elicit a “Me, too” response? Or are you often met with indifference or apathy?

If it’s the latter, come into work on Monday with a commitment to improve your communication, whether it is formal or informal, following these steps: 

  • Define your purpose. Why are you communicating? What emotions do you want to evoke or actions do you want to spur?
  • Outline the points you want to make. Write down one to no more than three messages that are critical for you to convey.
  • Decide why your message matters to your listeners. Make sure that you see the situation from their perspective. How will they be affected? What will they feel when they hear the news? How ultimately will they benefit?
  • Communicate your point from that perspective. If you appeal to their sensibilities, you will more easily capture their attention and influence them to see the value in your message.

The best communication isn’t about sending your message.  It’s about sending a message to your employees that they actually understand or buy-in to. It’s about ensuring that your message is received. Take care to make that happen.

What is the best communication advice you’ve every read or received? 

Want more articles like this?

Subscribe to any of our e-newsletters to get them delivered directly to your inbox.

Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

Share your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}