Coaching Corner: Too many words!
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Today I want to tell you a story directly from the innocence of children -- yes, of course, my grandchildren, who consistently give me a tremendous amount of amusement as well as insight.
So, please indulge this grammy to share these words of wisdom.
Recently we had a sleep over with three of our grandchildren which involved Busken Halloween cookies (delicious!). When Sunday morning came around, there were several cookies left which I did not want to have staring back at me as the day progressed, knowing full well that my resistance is quite low when it comes to Busken Halloween cookies. So, as any good grammy would do, I packaged up the cookies to send home with each of our little people.
Later that day, one of them, Ed, had a soccer game which I would be attending with his cousin Sophia (Fi). I told him that I would bring the cookies with me to the game, which he found to be an outstanding idea. On the way I told Fi about the cookies, informing her that although she could make the request to Ed to share his cookies, he had the option to say no. She was fine with this and was excited to give Ed the cookies.
Immediately after his game Fi raced over to Ed to offer the delicious prize of the cookies and began with “Ed...I have a question for you...I don't know how you feel about this...it may be yes...or it may be no...I am OK either way as I know how much you like your cookies...†This went on for quite some time without ever voicing a request for one of the cookies. Finally, Ed firmly said “Fi! You can have a cookie!!!! I was going to offer one to you!!!†And with that he held up his hand to her and stated “TOO MANY WORDS!!!â€
I laughed out loud and yet immediately felt the power of what had just been spoken. How often do we speak from a place that is not clear -- assuming the person we are talking to knows what we are trying to say? Or perhaps, in the midst of making a request, we surround our request with more words than necessary. Making your language as clear as possible will benefit everyone. Succinct communication will enhance your professionalism as well as improve your personal relationships.
This week, pay attention to your communication. Are you speaking as clearly and succinctly as possible? If not, just imagine a 6 year old hand in front of your face telling you “too many words!â€
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
