A few weeks ago I announced a new, online interactive training series starting May 15 that offers busy business executives a jump-start method for propelling their teams into high performance mode.   In today’s post, I want to more fully explain one of the main elements outlined in the series for creating high performance in business teams; the Communication and Connection aspect. Often we think of communication as the sharing of information, our opinions and sometimes our new ideas. Have you found that this sharing is not always successful in that you do not receive the responses or results you intended? You are not alone. In my experience you must first have the intention for connection before true collaboration can take place. When you set your intention to connect by using the four parts of speech outlined below, you begin to see how you can engage others and be more engaged yourself and be part of a vibrant team that has the courage to communicate and connect with respect and trust for the process. The four parts of speech that develop connection are: * Framing – the process of creating the agenda for a meeting or conversation. It includes framing what is to be discussed, what are the preferred outcomes and how the conversation will proceed. Illustration - provide familiar examples of what is being discussed to create reference points so people can personally relate to the discussion. This makes what is being said easier to relate to and something others can see themselves doing. Advocacy – this is often the reason a conversation occurs in meetings especially when the leader has an agenda. When you allow for advocacy to occur from others, making it a part of the agenda, you empower your team and provide a stronger opportunity for expression. This part of speech is often a given but sometimes becomes too big a part of the conversation or agenda; make sure you manage the time well  so that involvement and buy in of others can occur. Inquiry – this is the least used part of speech and the most important component for connection, participation and buy-in. It means that every meeting and conversation is set up to include inquiry throughout. The questions are not challenges or asking for information, so much as inquiry about what they think about what you are saying and any questions they may have. *Action Inquiry, Bill Torbert et al Stay tuned for more information from the class series on creating collaborative, high-performing teams that are solution-focused. Want the full high-performance jump-start process for your teams? Be sure to register form my Interactive, Online Series, starting May 15: Collaborative Leadership: High-Performance Model Do you have any collaborative teaming experiences you’d like to share? I’d enjoying hearing from you; please be sure to leave a comment. Read More

Are you a business leader managing fewer resources for more profit?

1. A 4-meeting method to jump-start the collaborative process for your teams
2. Tips for fostering contribution and productivity from every team member
3. A plan for moving your team forward and keeping the momentum going