Dimensions of Communication

As I mentioned in an earlier post communication is the key to effective coaching. In order to communicate effectively it is imperative to be aware and use all the dimensions of communication. Those dimensions are:

Sending and Receiving – Listen more and talk less.  Listen to what is actually meant, rather than what is said.

Verbal and Non Verbal – The great majority of what we communicate is non-verbal.

Content and Emotion – It is the substance of the message that determines the impact of the message, how you feel about it.

To understand what must be communicated –

         To give information:  Find out what they need to know.

         To get information:  Ask what it is you need to know.

Over the years I have learned that it is not what you know, but how you communicate what you know and the behavior that you want that determines your effectiveness as a coach. In that vain keep in mind that:

Coaches tend to be good at:

         1) Sending 2) Verbal 3) Content

Coaches tend to be poor at:

         1) Receiving 2) Non verbal 3) Emotion

Communication also consists of:

        1) Observing 2) Touching 3) Just being there.

Know your communication strengths and weaknesses and constantly work to improve your communication skills and you will be a better coach.