Coach EM Gem #224: Are we speaking the same language?

Coach EM Gem — Are You Speaking the Same Language?

A Vistage Chair recently sent me this note after one of my workshops:

"I reckon you’re an absolute legend—your energy had the whole room stoked! Fair dinkum, your custom approach was spot-on for the crew’s skillset. And crikey, you nailed it—coaching’s a ripper topic that’s not talked about enough. I’ll be spreading the word like a kangaroo on the hop. No worries, I’ve got zero suggestions—you’re already smashing it!"

Needless to say, my American friends found it hilarious.

It reminded me of a point I often make in leadership:

Never assume people are speaking the same language.

In a California workshop, I shared this classic Aussie sentence:

"So next arvo, we're gonna head down to the park for a barbie. I'll bring the chooks and snags if you could bring an eski of stubbies. Hopefully this time you won't get crook. Be sure and bring your cossie and your togs since it should be a nice day and it's totally fine to be in your thongs..."

The room had absolutely no idea what I was talking about.

The lesson?

Communication is not about what you say.

Communication is about what the other person understands.

As leaders, coaches, parents, and teammates, we often assume our message is clear because it makes sense to us.

But clarity lives with the listener, not the speaker.

Before moving on, ask:

"What did you hear?"
"What does that mean to you?"
"Can you tell me that back in your own words?"

Because effective communication isn't what you say.

It's what they hear.

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• Practice improving
• Lead with Impact