216. Communication That Lands With Leah Ward

⏱️ 33:12 🎤 Russ Bloom, Leah Ward

AUDIO EPISODE

216. Communication That Lands With Leah Ward

0:00

Chapters

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1:13

Understanding Communication Styles

Leah Ward introduces the concept of communication styles, particularly the DISC model, and how recognizing differences can prevent miscommunication and improve team dynamics.
8:16

Why Communication Matters

Leah explains why builders should prioritize understanding communication styles, highlighting the impact on team effectiveness, efficiency, and managing human variability.
18:52

Non-Verbal Cues & DISC

Leah describes how non-verbal cues align with DISC profiles, offering observable indicators of different communication styles.
29:10

Avoiding Pigeonholing

Leah addresses the challenge of pigeonholing individuals based on DISC profiles and stresses the importance of diverse styles for business success.
44:07

Self-Awareness for Leaders

Leah emphasizes the importance of a business owner understanding their own communication style to improve relationships, operations, and foster a motivated team.
50:26

Common Challenges & Solutions

Leah discusses the biggest misstep in communication – assuming others communicate like you – and encourages adaptation, calling it becoming 'bilingual in communication'.
1:05:44

Actionable Steps for Improvement

Leah advises builders to start by observing, pausing, and asking themselves how they can adapt their communication successfully, noting that micro-adjustments can have a huge impact.
1:10:15

Client Communication Impact

Leah briefly touches upon how understanding communication styles can significantly improve rapport and sales with clients by tailoring interactions to their needs.

Speakers

Russ Bloom

Host

Leah Ward

executive business coach here at the Association of Professional Builders

Key Takeaways

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Recognize that not everyone communicates the way you do; assuming similarity is a major misstep. Aim to become 'bilingual' in communication.

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Understand your own communication style to lead with greater intentionality and reduce tension in interactions with your team and clients.

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Observe non-verbal cues (tone, pace, body language) as they account for 93% of communication impact. Adjust your approach based on these observations.

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When building a team, consider balancing different communication styles. While not a hiring mandate, understanding profiles can help place team members in roles that best suit their natural strengths, reducing energy drain.

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Practice 'micro adjustments' – match someone's pace for 30 seconds or mirror their tone slightly to build trust and connection instantly.

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Shift your mindset from 'listening to correct' to 'listening to connect.' This empathetic approach fosters deeper trust and engagement.

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Extend communication awareness to client interactions. Tailor your communication style to your client's needs (e.g., providing facts for a 'C' client) to build rapport and trust, ultimately boosting sales.

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