How often have you left a meeting with a customer or your boss telling yourself he likes my ideas. Only to find later that you didn't get the sale or your boss has told everyone that you are crazy.
As we get older it seems to us that everyone talks in code. No one tells us what they really mean. Everything is hidden behind a veil of double talk.
But all is not lost. We found a copy of the code breaking manual on the web site of that well known code breaking magazine, Harpers Magazine.
It's no ordinary code. This is special. We had many discussions before we decided to reveal the secrets of the code to you.
This is the code you need to understand what us Brits are talking about.
It was found on a wall in the European Courts of Justice and released to the world, by a journalist for The Economist (who else we hear you ask) in 2004. We thought it so important to your survival in the world that we have reproduced it here.
We hope it will change the course of the war against failed communication and create the foundation for ongoing successful conversations.
What they say: I'm sure it's my fault.
What is understood: It is his fault.
What they mean: It is your fault.
What they say: I'll bear it in mind.
What is understood: He will probably do it.
What they mean: I will do nothing about it.
What they say: I was a bit disappointed that . . .
What is understood: It doesn't really matter.
What they mean: I am most upset and cross.
What they say: By the way/Incidentally . . .
What is understood: This is not very important.
What they mean: The primary purpose of our discussion is ...
What they say: I hear what you say.
What is understood: He accepts my point of view.
What they mean: I disagree and do not want to discuss it any further.
What they say: Correct me if I'm wrong.
What is understood: Tell me what you think.
What they mean: I know I'm right-please don't contradict me.
What they say: With the greatest respect . . .
What is understood: He is listening to me.
What they mean: I think you are wrong, or a fool.
What they say: That is an original point of view.
What is understood: He likes my ideas.
What they mean: You must be crazy!
What they say: Very interesting.
What is understood: He is impressed.
What they mean: I don't agree, or I don't believe you.
What they say: You must come for dinner sometime.
What is understood: I will get an invitation soon.
What they mean: Not an invitation, just being polite.
What they say: Quite good.
What is understood: Quite good.
What they mean: A bit disappointing.
This may not be a complete list terms used in the code. The sources may be limited. But, it does give an insight into the way we communicate. It gives you a starting point to assess how often, when and where do you talk in code.
Good Luck
Graham and Julie www.desktop-meditation.com
To improve your intuition, initiative and energy levels. Please go to: http://www.desktop-meditation.com It's free.
A client recently said to me: "Most days things seem... Read More
When all else fails in your company to meet the... Read More
If you think customer relationship management is just a piece... Read More
Those of us doing business over the internet have to... Read More
Your opportunity to build a stellar client relationship starts with... Read More
Sales is tough to get right, and depends on retaining... Read More
1. Stay in contact with customers on a regular basis.... Read More
With all of the recent data theft in the financial... Read More
It's possible that in the course of your business dealings,... Read More
One of the basics of acting taught to me in... Read More
My regular readers will know that one of the things... Read More
Jay instructed a customer of his to offer a rare... Read More
As someone who has been heavily involved facilitating strategic planning... Read More
During the course of everyday business, many of you encounter... Read More
Customer service is an integral part of our job and... Read More
It may come as a surprise to you to discover... Read More
Those of us in home based and small businesses are... Read More
Public transport operators who already use passenger surveys may not... Read More
One thing all successful small business owners have in common... Read More
When people ask, "What is CRM?" the literal answer is,... Read More
Businesses that fail, often forget to seek out the customer... Read More
There are five techniques that have been proven to be... Read More
"Hi this is Randy. Leave me a message after the... Read More
Every business owner should have a picture of his or... Read More
The President of a 200+ store division of a major... Read More
If you're still dreaming about raising outside capital for your... Read More
A client recently said to me: "Most days things seem... Read More
I got it into my head sometime in December 2004... Read More
Over the last month, I have come to hate emails... Read More
Traditional marketing strategies encourage business owners to continually grow their... Read More
When people ask, "What is CRM?" the literal answer is,... Read More
Many organizations tackle to the issue of customer service by... Read More
I hate to sound like one of those cheesy get-rich-quick... Read More
When conducting a training session about customer service, I always... Read More
Loyal customers are the foundation of almost every business. Going... Read More
It is important to remember that the customer doesn't necessarily... Read More
This article offers five ways to help you deal with... Read More
This may seem a strange topic to introduce. Yet, it... Read More
Abstract: People buy for their reasons, not yours. This article... Read More
Those of us in home based and small businesses are... Read More
The world of customer service is rapidly changing. Thirty years... Read More
You want customers. I want customers. We all want customers.... Read More
I call it the "wave and roll."You walk up to... Read More
It's never too soon to start saying thanks to your... Read More
Whether you are a seasoned small business professional, or you... Read More
Landing a new client is like courting a potential spouse.... Read More
Why bother? Good customer service is the life blood of... Read More
I will not make sales. I will make Customers.I will... Read More
Many years ago, I was a first year apprentice assigned... Read More
CRM was supposed to bring companies closer to their clients.... Read More
Customer Service Customer Service |