Intent
In continually demonstrating our commitment to the success of the team, the project, the outcomes, our intent counts more than our technique. Our intent is all about being there for good reasons. Our technique comes second.
We may never build a trusted relationship if colleagues feel that we help ourselves rather than the team. One way to consider this is to question why we are able to engage with or meet someone at all. What has led them to share time with us? However brief, it helps to discover and respect their reasoning.
Aligning what we say and how we say it with the other person’s circumstances will help. Our idea of digital convenience might be their idea of digital nuisance. Our idea of a quick chat might be their idea of insincerity.
Our susceptibility to the ‘halo effect’ will lead us to believe that what we have to offer is bound to meet others’ needs, but they might feel the opposite on the grounds that their need is unique.
As AI takes hold we’ll get used to machine analysis of verbal and written communications. ‘Lie detectors’ will seem quaint when we use AIs to unmask intent. As a ‘measure and countermeasure’ race develops, integrity will be essential.
By addressing these issues in the context of professional development, we help people to communicate effectively now and in the fast approaching, very different, future.