When I analyze the components of effective communication, three major categories emerge to provide a useful prism through which to review and assess how well communications are working. These are urgency, ownership, and audience.
Posts by Frank J. Mendelson
Learn more about FrankEmail into action
Transform ambiguity into action with emails that are clear, concise and loaded with specificity.
Fasting. Writing. It’s all the same.
Fast. Improve your writing. Fast while you write. Simultaneous achievement. The seven secrets revealed.
Why work with an editor?
This is the first in a series on the subject of editing, and why you, as an organization or an individual, need an editor. We will explore what editors do, what they don’t do, how to work with an editor, types of editing, and how editing saves time, money, and adds business value.
What are you driving at? Lessons for successful communication
An effective communicator is like a good driver. You are responsible for your actions. This means you must be aware of circumstances and anticipate results.
Communicating with specificity: Not soon, now
Specificity is the cornerstone of effective business communications. Specificity commands attention. Specificity is memorable. Headline writers have figured this out, and so have successful Tweeters.
7 ways to avoid the anger trap
By the time a problem hyper-charged with feeling reaches you, there is a danger of getting singed by the emotional fire. What follows are my rules of thumb to avoid falling into someone else’s emotional tempest.
No knead for great bread and innovation
Usually, the way we do things is not necessarily the only way. And, if “that’s the way we’ve always done it” is the stock reply in your organization, then disappearing into the staff dining room, and chewing on an innovative alternative may be just what you’re looking for. It’s true in business and it’s true in the kitchen, for the kitchen is a great work place, as well as a metaphor for innovation and creativity.
Friend me: The ongoing relevance of Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s seminal book, How to Win Friends & Influence People, first published 75 years ago, would be archaic if not for its continued relevance. It makes a great guide for email and social media etiquette.
Have you (been) heard?
Communications have changed during the past generation while old-school standards have been upended. As communication became instantaneous, the reciprocal response has not. Not so good if you need an answer now. Learn how you can get everyone on board with email etiquette.
