The Common Denominator Is…

When I think about all the different forms of communication coaching and training we do here at The Latimer Group (leadership, persuasion, storytelling, negotiation, presentations, etc), there is a common denominator that is a dominant thread running through all of them... Understanding and anticipating what other people will find interesting and valuable.

In every workshop we teach, literally, and every executive coaching session I conduct, one way or another we are coming back to this central concept. The more you understand what matters to the people you are trying to lead/persuade/negotiate with/communicate with, the easier it is for you to find common ground. The easier it is for you to connect, the easier it is for you get where you are trying to go.

Even when the interaction is competitive, like in a hard negotiation, the more you understand what the other side cares about, the more likely you are to win the chess game of that negotiation.

A deep understanding of the other people in the conversation and what they care about is the most important element of powerful communication.

Have a great day!