7 Highly Effective Communication Habits: Part 3

In these harrowing times, one thing still comes easy ... distraction! Today's workplace is full of opportunities to get on someone else's bandwagon. Put aside what you know is best for your career or your family or your sanity. Not to mention I believe there is a technology-induced ADHD that I'm finding common among me and my friends. I'm sure there will soon be a drug for that.

So how do you steer clear of the put-asides, the maybe-laters, and the what-did-I-mean-to-finish-today's that seem to be running rampant? By staying focused on what has to be done, in the time it should be done. That's means setting aside anything (no matter how seemingly urgent) that is not part of your core objectives.

So, what are core objectives? This is the plan you established for your work, your learning, your play, your life. You made this plan during a time of deep, focused reflection, remember? Oh yeah, you got distracted.

Most importantly, as a leader (either now or in the future) you must convey this focus, this ability to concentrate and stick to a smart plan, in your communications. Here's my recommendation:

1. Create a communications plan - be it for work, career goals, learning or entertainment - that encompasses all the audiences you will interact with to accomplish your goals. Map out these audiences and how you need to position yourself for each.
2. Keep this plan front and center, a daily part of the visual influences in your life. Translation: post it on the fridge and near your computer!
3. Match each challenge, task, project, etc. against this plan. Are you following the messaging necessary to create the impression or build the relationship you desire?
4. Re-visit the plan and refine as necessary, keeping your main goals intact.

Sure, it may sound strange to create a communications plan for your aspirations. But you have to weigh staying focused against wasting time and energy on distractions. Which is more important?