DaySpring Communications

Nothing better than starting my day with magnificent women like Genevro, Lisa Gruenloh, and Thompson Finn! After breakfast, we got to talking about being a powerful and authentically feminine woman in male-dominated workplaces. The consensus was clear, !
(Blog post to follow with details from this enlightening conversation!)

Thanks to the Greater Naples Chamber for its series of future-focused speakers, and to Jenna Persons Persons for her informative presentation on

Listening is the silver bullet in effective (and authentic) communication. It's critical to connecting in a meaningful way and to working with efficiency and effectiveness. Listening is overlooked and underrated, and we can't get along without it.

But it's second -- not first -- in my list of Authentic Communication principles.

Why? Because real listening -- the kind where you're not "thinking about what you wanted to say next, glancing down at your phone or jumping in to offer your opinion" -- requires presence.

When I work with teams and individuals to improve communication (and outcomes), we begin with the person, the individual communicator. Having established a foundation in self-awareness, we can practice listening with intention, focus and curiosity. From there, the skills and actions of Authentic Communication fall into place.

Where does effective listening fall in your order of communication priorities?

Opinion | Talk Less. Listen More. Here’s How. Lessons in the art of listening, from a C.I.A. agent, a focus group moderator and more.