Technology writer and consultant David Micah Kaufman reviews the book How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today’s Workplace by Sonya Hamlin. Review notes book’s advice for thinking through the various consequences and responses of business communications makes it a classic.
One of the keys to success for any organization is communication. I have consulted with several organizations where technology is not their issue — instead it’s people not able to communicate effectively with each other. HR cannot talk to Finance, Finance to IT, and the CEO can’t communicate with anybody.
When I confront this situation, I will often augment my consulting offerings with a communications module, and I always encourage employees to read How to Talk So People Listen: Connecting in Today’s Workplace by Sonya Hamlin (2005, HarperCollins Publishers). A communications expert and sometime talk show host, Hamlin’s major focus is on business communication — both verbal and visual. Her book gives practical advice on how to do a better job of transmitting our ideas, thoughts, and opinions to our co-workers. By better understanding how we communicate, we are more likely to successfully explain what we actually mean and reduce misperceptions and misunderstandings.
The book was first written in the 90’s, but it has been updated to include the demographic and technological forces impacting the current workplace. I especially like the notion of pre-thinking communications that Hamlin emphasizes. I am always amazed when business leaders craft communications or embark on having conversations with people without asking, for example, “What if they don’t agree with me?”
Thinking through the various consequences and responses of communications can not only make your communication more effective but also eliminate any surprises. I use the techniques discussed in the book myself and have known business people who have dramatically improved their communications by following Hamlin’s advice.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
David Micah Kaufman is the founder of BIGGER PIES! — a boutique professional services consulting firm in San Francisco — and a regular contributor to HR Insight and HRIT. You can reach him at david@biggerpies.com or (415) 272-8115.