Career Development Tip #5 Just The Facts Ma'am - Preparation Is The Key To Communication

Just The Facts Ma'am - Preparation Is The Key To Great Communication:
Have you ever had what people call a "miscommunication".  I have been crowned queen of open mouth, insert foot.  What I have learned from being in self-inflicted sticky interpersonal situations:

• Most "miscommunications" are caused when extraneous information is shared, and it wasn't necessary in the first place.  Had I never shared this extraneous information, the situation would have been avoided altogether. 
• Prepare for all meetings and conversations in advance...never "ad-lib".  If it is important enough to put on your calendar it is important enough to prepare your thoughts in advance.  Write those thoughts down and don't be afraid to share with those you meet with that you have done so.  This communicates to the other person(s) that they are important to you, it also teaches them this habit.  How would it impact your company if everybody had prepared their thoughts for meetings in advance? 
• Don't be afraid to say, "I have to get back to you on this". If it is your boss ask, "Can I get back to you on this, I want to put more thought in to it".  If you aren't prepared to respond in a concise manner, don't respond.  Unless it is truly an emergency, it is better to take the time to think things through before responding. 

In this fast paced world with access to the information super highway it is normal to feel the need to respond to questions and requests at the rate in which the "highway" moves; the reality is that we need to do the opposite.  By controlling the flow of traffic we demonstrate our professionalism and thoughtfulness.  By slowing down our responses we are demonstrating higher intelligence and self-control.