Three Components of Improving Performance

ConnectAbility is an understanding of the relationship among desired outcomes, roles and expectations, and personal differences while communicating with awareness of the ultimate effect on the listener. It is much more than mere "people skills" and paying attention. It also involves the skill to read the business environment in which the communication is taking place and, of particular interest to those hoping to influence others, presenting ourselves effectively, persuasively, and with conce for the listener-all this in the context of the desired business outcome while maintaining our authenticity. In terms of improving performance, ConnectAbility can be broken down into three components: Awareness Factor

• Awareness of Influence-knowing our own emotional disposition and how we affect others
• Awareness of Others-reading others well; knowing their needs, conce s, and desires, including the hidden expectations of those who report to us as well as those to whom we report
• Awareness of Context-understanding and appreciating the business and interpersonal context in which our communication is taking place

Performance Factor

• Presentation skills-expressing a positive energy that motivates others through good as well as bad times
• Listening skills-making the greatest endeavor to hear and understand others so that the effect of our influence on them brings out the best of their potential
• Agility skills-nurturing our passion to get things done, to make the best decision for the moment, even in the absence of all necessary information

Desired Outcome

• Expectations-indentifying those who are expected to contribute meaningfully to achieve success in our mission
• Roles-understanding who the players are in each scenario and who make up the "core group" through which our goals and mission will be achieved
• Personal differences-creating a presence that communicates enough caring about each individual to "deliver the goods" with the most positive impact