Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you.
Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.
~Anonymous
This quote reminds me of the special place we have as Assistants.
Communication is a two-way street; sending information out to others has to be done in such a way that it can be received. Sadly, we’ve all experienced communication that was lacking in some way. Missing information or a harsh tone are just a couple of examples of communication styles that can hijack the speaker’s message. And when it is our turn to listen, we can’t do it half-heartedly or finish sentences for the speaker; we need to be good receivers.
To answer before listening – that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13
Time is a necessary component for good communication.
When I think about some of the excellent communicators throughout history, I am reminded of their tone, posture, and cadence. They use these things to set the stage, helping us to understand the importance of the spoken word. Good communicators slow down to carefully deliver the important cargo of information. Taking time speaks value to the listener and, over time, develops a love in them to hear what you have to say.
Likewise, taking time to listen shows value to the speaker. When you have something important to share, who do you want to share it with first? Someone who is going to listen to you! Someone who is going to stop what they are doing and focus on you in that very moment. A good listener takes the time to pause, look the speaker in the eye, and receive in a way that demonstrates value. A good listener will treasure the information as well as the speaker who communicated it. And who doesn’t love to talk with people like that?!
Communication has been entrusted to us and taking the time to do it well is not only necessary for our roles, it is a tangible way to demonstrate the love of Christ. If you aren’t content with your communication style, consider starting a file of communication examples that you would like to build with. Read books. Listen to podcasts. Use them as templates and tweak them to be personal to you. This is a skill that takes practice, and we can practice it every day with our current responsibilities. So let’s help each other! If someone asks for your input on something they’ve drafted, take a moment and give your honest feedback. Partner it with some helpful suggestions and then stand back to watch how all of us grow!
Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6
As Administrative and Executive Assistants, God has uniquely placed us to be speakers and listeners to his beloved. We have the privilege of pausing, focusing our attention on another creation of God, and sharing his love with them. What an honor to remind them…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 