Authentic Communication & the Real Truth
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, travels the country speaking to groups. One topic she speaks about is authentic communication: “You have to ask yourself if you’re in a group – whether it’s a friend group, a family circle or in a business you’re trying to lead as an entrepreneur – How do you get to the truth? How do you make great decisions when no one’s saying the truth? How do you communicate authentically?” Sandberg practices authentic communication with her employees and family. We say practice because it is something that must be learned over time, it doesn’t come automatically. Once it is learned and practiced correctly, it empowers those who are able to use it to drive conversations.
There’s my truth, your truth and the real truth is: everything is subjective. Authentic communication is accepting that there is no truth.
Authentically communicating will put you in a position that may feel uncomfortable at first. Over time, however, it will enable you to be a trusted member of the team that everyone looks to for the honest feedback necessary to critically analyze and get the job done.
Authentic communication will build camaraderie with your co-workers and make you a stronger unit. Tasks will easily be accomplished because there will no longer be hidden agendas, masked priorities and back-handed tactics used in daily interactions. Authentic communication breaks down barriers and builds bonds.
Sandberg drove the point home when she said, “What do you believe? If you share your truth in that language, you give people room to communicate authentically and that’s hugely important to these relationships in any stage.”
The Businessolver Way has long been a training tool used daily at Businessolver. By sharing it publicly we mean to provide insightful and delightful information as well as serve as food for thought in a busy and changing world. It’s our belief that by delighting our employees, they, in turn, can delight our clients. The Businessolver Way is just one of the ways we fuel that delight equation. Please share with us your thoughts and ideas as we continue to share the Businessolver Way with you: [email protected].
