Four Ways that We Communicate Up
(Rank 1-4 the significance of these issues for you)
____ Planning the way we communicate
____ Managing priorities and expectations
____ Receiving suggestions and feedback
____ Selling an idea up
Why is the area you ranked as #1 most important to you?
How would improving in this area support your manager’s priorities?
Management Priority
1. _____________________________________
How
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2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
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How can a change in my mindset impact my approach and results?
“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions.”
-John Hancock
Nicole Cline Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com

Planning the Way We Communicate
It is critical to establish a structure for the way that information will be communicated between parties. This includes issues such as appropriate timing, audience, method, evidence, follow up and subject matter.
My Style & Preferences
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My Manager’s Style and Preferences
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In what ways can I modify my communication style to appeal to my manager’s preferences?
Nicole Cline
“Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.”
-Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com

Managing Priorities and Expectations
It is important to have some strategies to manage expectations and negotiate the way we respond to requests.
Tips:
 Build trust in relationships and develop an extended network throughout the organization.
 Try to find out what pressures your manager is getting from above and determine how you can help.
 Make sure that your goals are in alignment with you manager’s goals.
 Maintain a good attitude, and no matter what is going on take pride in your work.
 Be a good follower when the situation dictates it.
 Check in and keep your manager informed.
 Be aware of “pet” projects.
 Look for skills that you can hone through the assignement.
Communication Process:
1.
Assure your manager or colleague that the project request is important to you.
2.
Clarify expectations.
3.
Spell out your current responsibilities and ask you manager to help you prioritize.
4.
Try to help solve the request including offering an alternative. (scope, time frame, quality)
5.
Ask for appropriate resources
6.
Thank the person for the opportunity.
Practice: Two managers in your organization ask you to complete work by the end of the day – both projects cannot get done even if you stay late….How will you respond to the request?
Nicole Cline Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com

Receiving Suggestions and Feedback
Receiving suggestions on how to do something differently or better can sometimes be unnerving and unwelcomed.
Tips:
 Gain a reputation as a person with a positive can-do attitude.
 Follow the spirit of the “no surprises rule” by welcoming feedback and suggestions.
 Take responsibility for your actions.
 Use Dale Carnegie’s principle “The only way to get the best of an argument, is to avoid it.”
 Find the good in every comment.
 Set up a process before it is needed and have the person give you a warning.
Communication Process:
1.
Thank your manager for the suggestion.
2.
Find a point of agreement and relate it.
3.
Ask questions for clarification and listen to the responses with an open mind.
4.
If you disagree with the suggestion, calmly state your reasons using “I” language.
5.
Relate your plan of action moving forward and get agreement.
6.
Thank the person again.
Practice: Your manager has suggested that you do a task differently than how you have done it in the past. Both ways produce the same end results, how will you respond?
Nicole Cline Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com

Selling an Idea Up
Having an effective process for communicating ideas is critical for our success in gaining acceptance.
Tips:
 Selling an idea up the management chain requires people skills, a little bit of luck, and a lot of conviction.
 Be tactful and diplomatic – choose your words carefully.
 Demonstrate how the idea aligns with the manager’s and company’s goals.
 Choose your timing carefully – often ideas are rejected because they’re pitched at the wrong time.
 Above all, do your research, provide evidence, and be realistic about the odds of your idea being accepted.
 Incorporate other people’s ideas and give them credit.
 Tie the need back to a business issue.
Communication Process:
1.
Bring the topic up and ask first for your manager’s ideas on the topic and then if possible incorporate the ideas and give credit.
2.
Ask permission to state your case.
3.
Invite dialogue and listen to input.
4.
Know when to accept “no”.
5.
Outline how results will benefit person, team, department and company.
Practice: What idea do you have and how will you sell it?
“Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.”
-Admiral Hyman Rickover
Nicole Cline Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com

What one thing will you do differently when communicating with your boss?
How will that change impact you?
October 30, November 6 and 13 th
Content includes:

Developing Personal Leadership

Achieving Organizational Results

Understanding the Innovation Process

Demonstrating the Planning Process

Defining the Performance Process

Appraisal Systems and the Coaching Process

Problem Analysis and Decision-Making

Recognizing Human Potential

Implementing the Delegation Process

Handling Mistakes

Communicating to Lead

Leading More Effective Meetings

Celebrating Success

Committing to Continuous Improvement
Nicole Cline Dale Carnegie 563-210-6911
Nicole.Cline@DaleCarnegie.com