How to Not Assume People Understood You

“I don’t know what I’ve said until I’ve learned what you heard.”

Daniel kicks off a robust discussion about communication with this provocative insight. He and Peter are joined in this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast by executive coach and communication expert Yosi Kossowsky.

“That’s something I coach leaders on 80% of the time,” says Kossowsky. Leaders often believe communication has happened, but really, it’s only the illusion of communication.

“We are often in the habit of talking, but not validating,” he says.

Our three leadership experts discuss barriers to understanding and perception, the value of open-ended questions, and the most common leadership objection to clarifying communication.

Tune in to learn:

  • Techniques to solicit more interaction, feedback, and engagement from listeners
  • Why curiosity is vital to understanding
  • The most important question leaders should use to improve communication

Plus, how developing good communication skills is like brushing your teeth, why perceptions can change from day to day, and how Daniel and Peter really felt about childhood piano lessons.

In this episode:

2:52 – Topic: How to Not Assume People Understand You

26:18 – Practical Guidance to Improve Communication

33:38 – Lightning Round

Resources:

Yosi Kossowsky LinkedIn Profile

Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:

If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Like What You’re Hearing?

Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest episodes and articles delivered.