And what it taught me as a leader
A woman once wrote me, “I don’t appreciate your style of communication.” This was in the early years of LadyDrinks. She attended a recent event, asked me a question. I answered. She was hoping for a lengthier response.
I’ve spent a career broadcasting from a trading floor. “Speak!” was considered ‘communication’ on the phone. Brevity was key when on the air.
That brevity transferred over to my email.
Standard responses from me were:
‘yes’
‘no’
‘copy that.’
‘got it.’
‘on it.’
I was getting shit done.
Seema wrote me to tell me that she was spending money attending my events. I could spend some time writing a longer, flow-y email back.
Today, I still dash off
‘no’
‘copy that’
‘received.’
But then I reverse engineer.
I insert “Warmly, Joya” before I sign off.
I insert “I hope all is well” in the open as opposed to launching straight into what I need to ask.
That attendee, nine years ago, shared her preference in telling me she wanted a longer flowery email response. It didn’t make my communication style wrong.
Author of the book PLAYING BIG @Taramohr says “Feedback tells you about the priorities and preferences of the person giving it. If it’s not coming from your target audience, then move on. If it is coming from your target audience, then pay attention. Integrate it.”
I am in conversation with @Tara Mohr Wednesday May 12th. Sign up at
LADYDRINKS PRESENTS: HOW TO HANDLE FEEDBACK WITH TARA MOHR, “PLAYING BIG”
