Know What You Are Talking About
No one wants to waste their time!
Epictetus was a Greek philosopher who was born into slavery. He believed all external events are beyond our control and that humans should accept whatever happens calmly and disinterestedly. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, and we cannot control the actions of others.
Two powerful points can be taken from this quote.
First, you get one shot at credibility. Know what you are talking about. Communicating as a trusted advisor means getting the information right first. The top fin of the Communicating with FINESSE fishbone diagram is all about the information.
Second, Epictetus reminds us that we are not there to persuade or manipulate our decision makers, just as we do not want our subordinates to persuade or manipulate us. Present the information objectively and fairly. As trusted advisors, we should not care what decision is made because it is not our decision to make.
I experience this one weekly, both as a decision maker and in a different role as a consultant. If you don't know the information, let someone else speak who does, or just remain silent. If you are not the expert, then spend more time listening than speaking.
This post first appeared on www.communicatingwithfinesse.com
Founded by JD Solomon, Communicating with FINESSE is a not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Learn more about our publications, webinars, and workshops. Join the community for free.
