Reciprocation: a “Boost” to communication

As a quick reminder, a “boost” is something you can use when communication is less than optimal. When you sense an obstacle or if you just feel like the communication/relationship could use a “Boost”.  You can also use Boosts when the communication/relationship is positive, and you want to keep it that way.  

This Boost (like all Boosts) must be High FOCUS and sincere.

Often in communication the simple act of reciprocation can make a big difference.  When a client (or anyone for that matter) asks you about you, answer and then reciprocate; ask about them.  If they ask about your family, your job, the industry, the market…whatever, answer and ask about their view of the same.

People inquire about topics because they’re interested in them and often want to learn more about them.  Often when we are asked questions (especially about subject in which we are knowledgeable), we assume the person asking wants to listen.  This is not always the case. Many times, people don’t want to hear anything you have to say on the matter and only open the subject, so they can talk about it. 

When people ask you about a topic, remember they may want to talk about it themselves and not just listen to you.  They may want to influence you and not just be influenced by you.

Reciprocation allows people the opportunity to talk about what they want to talk about.

Thinking about and remembering to practice reciprocation can “boost” the communication/relationship and may also help you remember to seek to understand what’s behind the communication, what’s driving it (motives). 

For some, this may be hard because we’ll talk less and they’ll talk more.  Let’s face it many of us want to talk about us. It’s our favorite topic. I’ll leave you with a quotation from my collection.

“Always remember: we learn NOTHING by speaking” Author Unknown

One last thought: I get to do all the writing here.  Why don’t you reciprocate and leave a comment, thought or question?