Below-the-Surface Thinking Begins with Why
We would better understand our friends. We would better comprehend our family. We would be more effective in our communications at work. Why? We would truly take time to understand where another person is coming from. We would better understand a customer. You see, when you go below the surface and get to "why" it gets another person to open up and explain where they are coming from.
In the case of communications, one must be able to successfully explain his or her point of view to others. My favorite style of communications uses The 5 Why’s Communications Model, which is covered as an entire chapter in my "Everyone Is in Sales" book. By asking yourself or others "why?" approximately five times you will be able to reach the root or source of the question and gain real information and thus results. This method not only helps us to focus our conversations but to also gain a better understanding of others.
We all have a need to be understood, right? Why? Because I told you so. No, just kidding. In all seriousness, ask someone a series of "below-the-surface" why questions and see if you can get to their root reason. Just try it and see for yourself, but don’t ask me why.
- Categories:
- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Ryan T. Sauers has spent nearly 30 years running, leading or consulting with printing, graphics, promotional and visual communications-related organizations. Sauers is CEO of two companies, Sauers Consulting Strategies LLC and End Resultz Inc. that among other things, owns magazines and is a media firm. Key areas of focus of the firms include sales training, marketing strategy, personal branding, leadership development and organizational change.
Sauers is a frequent national speaker and columnist. He has been recognized as one of the top 80 CMOs globally and achieved the top designation of Certified Marketing Executive through Sales and Marketing Executives International.
Sauers is an adjunct university professor teaching leadership and communication courses to current and aspiring leaders. He is a Certified Myers Briggs, DiSC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (one of few in the U.S. to achieve all three rigorous certifications related to human communications, personality and behavior).
Sauers has completed his doctoral-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and is now (ABD - All But Dissertation) working on his dissertation on why some entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve initial and long-term success, whereas countless others do not.
Sauers is the host of the Marketing Matters radio show in Atlanta that later becomes a global podcast. He also is the host of the Community Connections TV show that comes out in video and podcast form. Sauers is the author of the best-selling books, Everyone is in Sales, and Would You Buy from You? More info at RyanSauers.com or call (678) 825-2049 or email Ryan@RyanSauers.com
