As a leader, you communicate constantly. But are you communicating in the most effective way? What are some best communication practices when there’s conflict? What are some practical strategies you can implement today to better your public speaking? Today’s guest, Carrie Sharpe, shares her best communication principles for leaders.
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In our second episode of the Relationships Series, I chat with Carrie Sharpe, a homeschooling mom of five, wife, and business owner. We dive into the topics of effective communication, including the best way to talk through conflict and practices to become a better public speaker. Carrie shares how she manages her different responsibilities + roles, and how she takes a rest from all the noise and busyness .
Carrie’s Leadership Journey
Carrie, a self-described Type-A and driven woman, has always felt like a leader. She’s served as a leader at work, church, and home. She now leads at the Sharpe’s communication consulting company, He Says She Says.
She’s grown in her leadership skills as she’s learned to be less bossy and to judge others less by learning to listen.
You can’t stay bossy and be a good leader. - Carrie SharpeClick To TweetCarrie’s Best Practices for Communicating in Conflict
Carrie reminds us that in life there will always be conflict and well that there’s a way to manage it without burning bridges. Here are Carrie’s tips for conflict communication:
1. Pray and ask God if this situation needs to be addressed or overlooked.
2. If this is a conflict that needs to be addressed, deal with the person directly.
3. Come from a place of seeking to understand the other side and then work through what’s been said.
4. Approach the situation with the mindset of being on the same side so you can work as a team to resolve the situation
5. Pick the right time to address the situation.
6. Know the communication style of the other person.
Carrie’s Recommendations for What Words and Phrases to Use in Conflict
1. Ask questions with the intent to understand.
2. When you make a statement, start with “I” instead of “you.” For example, “I feel frustrated when…”
Carrie’s Principles for Public Speaking
Public speaking is all about connecting with your audience so make sure that you use your personal experience and stories to share helpful and relevant content to achieve what they want to achieve.
Also, remember to practice by using your phone to record your talks.
God gives us experiences and gives us skills in order to share those things with other people. You cannot do that on your couch. - Carrie SharpeClick To TweetFinally, change your mindset about the nerves you feel by thinking of your anxiety as excitement. Our bodies physically respond the same way to stress and excitement so simply tell yourself that you’re not nervous, you’re just ready to go!
How Carrie Manages Life + Rest
Carrie reminds us that sometimes we must say “no” to a whole lot of things. For her, sticking to a schedule is helpful, as long as the schedule allows for grace and interruptions.
She’s passionate about enjoying her state of Michigan by hiking and snowshoeing, which allows her to get away from all the noise and the daily routine.
Carrie’s Message
There’s one message Carrie wants you to take away from this podcast and that is that self-discipline is a practice that allows you to get done what needs to be done, no matter how you feel about it. She reminds us that becoming more self-disciplined is a process and that we can maintain the fun by rewarding ourselves when we hit our goals.
Leaders are Learners
Connect with Carrie
- Carrie’s website: He Says, She Says
- Facebook group: Communicate to Connect Facebook Group
- Facebook page
- FREE AUDIO: 3 Tried & True Ways to Connect with an Audience
Other episodes and links mentioned:
Carrie Sharpe is a Communication Consultant, Speaker, and Co-Owner of He Says, She Says. She earned her degree in Political Science and Psychology from Lake Superior State University. A highly sought-after international speaker, Carrie develops courses and coaches clients in communication and public speaking skills. Carrie is a Huffington Post Contributor and has been quoted in a variety of publications including LiveStrong, Forbes, Business Insider, and Bustle. She resides in northern Michigan with her husband, Ryan, and their five children. She homeschools her children and works from home.
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