Simplicity
October 1, 2006

Simplicity. Saying what you need to say in as few words as possible.

Writing key messages, whether in e-mail, word document, whatever, with a clear and distinct "point of view."

Focusing on the client, the recipient, and what they need to understand and know in order to act on your request.

Listening, whether in person or on the phone, to the person with whom you are communicating.

Specificity, making contact with someone when you know that you have something important to say, that is worth asking them to focus upon when they are equally busy running their business.

Leaving voice mails with one specific message in mind, keeping it under 30 seconds, and leaving your phone number at the front and back of the voice mail to help the person note how to reach you.

Focusing on those relationships that truly provide value for you and the other party.

Being clear with your associates about what you expect, and clarifying how you will measure your expectations.

Not thinking ahead; staying in the moment.

Trusting your ability to be yourself; avoiding being someone that you think the other person wants you to be.

Being honest about your own strengths, and playing to them with pride.

Being honest about your weaknesses, and earnestly seeking ways to improve.

Caring about yourself, your company, your customer, your suppliers, your shareholders/owners, and your products and services.

Remembering that the person you need to live with is the person who looks back at you in the mirror.

Simplicity.