What is communication? - The exchange of information
1. What kind of information are you exchanging?

Means of sharing information

1. How are you sharing information?

●  What is wisdom?
○  The application of experience, knowledge, and good judgement
○  Another way to say it: wisdom is using history to influence the future
●  Why should we be wise with our communication?
○  The information shared is important
○  The way it is shared is important (FedEx vs. DHL example)
●  Intentional in all forms of communication

○ Depending on the information being exchanged, the method used for conveyance really matters (Words of affirmation vs. a serious personnel issue)
What does the Bible have to say about wise communication?

Proverbs 17:27-28 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding (We show our knowledge, or lack thereof, with how much restraint we have in our words)
Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and his shame (Wisdom is perspective, seeing other people’s viewpoints before coming to your own conclusions)
James 1:19 Know this...be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (You don’t get a do over for handling a situation poorly)
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (This boils down to preaching to connect)
Matthew 12:34 From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (our beliefs influence our words)

So how can we apply the concept of wise communication in our professional lives?

Take it out on a practice run first
Write down or record what you want to say to yourself before sharing it with others
This gives you the chance to hear/read your words and adjust as necessary
Think about your audience before communicating
See things from their point of view, make sure what you are sharing will be accepted in the way it is meant to be shared
Walk through the potential outcomes of what you are saying to the group you are saying it to
Identify the best mode of communication
Figure out the best way to share your information (in person, phone, email, etc)
Use the content of what is being shared to identify the best approach to communicating with your audience

Final Thoughts

Who can give you a brutally honest assessment of your current communication abilities?
Who in your circle of influence needs you to help them with their communication?
Which form of communication is your strongest? Which is your weakest?

Remember that as a leader, someone is always watching your example, so make it one you can be proud of

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