Are You ‘Off Message’? How Misaligned Communication Kills Execution

by Steve A Blog, Talking To Your People, Uncategorized

Based on Team of teams: New rules of engagement for a complex world*. Portfolio/Penguin.

Seriously, we’re drowning in noise. Everywhere you look, someone is shouting a message at you, and as leaders, we’re supposed to cut through that noise.

The problem is that most of us try to do it by following a pre-approved, focus-grouped script. That’s a big mistake; that stuff sounds completely fake.

Think about it. When was the last time some boardroom-crafted speech made you feel something? Never.

It’s all sterile and robotic. In a world where AI tries to fake authenticity, we need the real deal more than ever.

Why “On Script” is a Total Fail

Get the 27 powerful, open-ended questions that will improve your communication.

Newsflash: people aren’t robots.

We don’t process information like some algorithms do. We filter it through our biases and experiences. We respond to emotion. That’s why corporate talking points make everyone roll their eyes. Nobody believes them.

You appeal to the receiver’s emotions. Otherwise, it’s just noise.

Forget Buzzwords, Build a Story

We need to abandon top-down messaging and share stories that connect. Stories that evoke emotions. Stories that empower individuals. Stories that foster trust. And that story requires a few key ingredients:

  • Trust: People need to have faith in you. They must know that they can communicate with you openly.
  • Shared Understanding: Everyone must be on the same page, not only regarding what, but also why.
  • Empowered Execution: The people on the ground understand the situation. Allow them to take charge. They will adapt the message to fit their reality.

Six Strategies to Connect with Empathy, But Lead with Compassion

The “Feel” Factor: The Secret Sauce You’re Missing

We all know stories move us. Great writers, musicians, and even brands get it.

But companies? They’re so busy telling people what to do that they forget to consider how people feel. They’re missing the point.

If you want people to listen, care, and take action, you must connect with them on an emotional level.

Be The CRO – 2 Ways to Communicate with Clarity

Ditch the script.

Tell a real story.

And make them feel something.

That’s how you cut through the noise.

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