Be Bold Not Bitchy

Special Guest:
Erin Donley

Be Bold Not Bitchy

The words we tell ourselves and tell others are truly powerful. Erin Donley is here on this week’s episode of Women Rocking Wall Street to tell us how to use our words wisely. It’s important to examine our words, Erin says, and to act with compassion through them. In a world of instant communication through email, phone and social media, people don’t often think about what they’re saying before hitting send. But learning the art of communication examination can elevate you as a leader in the business world and show that you’re a communication role model. Rather than acting on emotion and impulse and being construed as impolite, it’s important to think about our message before sending or speaking. Erin suggests asking ourselves questions such as, “Is there a selfish need in this email?” “Am I being impatient?” “What do I secretly hope will happen if I send this email?”

When we’re emotionally tethered, “communication blind spots” occur. And this can sabotage what we’ve worked so hard to create in the workplace. Remember the saying, “You can’t read the label from the inside of the bottle.” It’s hard to see ourselves objectively, which is why it takes practice to communicate effectively. After all, email tones can be distorted through unexpressed expectations and stereotypes of both the sender and receiver. Communicating with thoughtfulness and creativity is sure to make you stand out from the crowd—all it takes is a little confidence and practice!

To speak with Erin and learn more about effective communication, check out her online communication training course: “How Should I handle this?” which explores communication roadblocks. Erin also offers in-person trainings. For more information, check out her website at erindonley.com.

Stay tuned next week for my chat with Ana Melikian, Book Yourself Solid Elite Certified Coach, who specializes in helping self-employed professionals with online marketing.