Michelle de Bruijn

Beyond the Code: Driving Change with Effective Communication

Effective communication isn't a soft skill; it's your most powerful tool for driving change.

Beyond the Code: Driving Change with Effective Communication
#1about 2 minutes

The professional challenge of driving workplace change

A personal story from a tech recruiter illustrates how the drive to improve processes often clashes with organizational resistance.

#2about 6 minutes

The personal and financial cost of workplace resistance

Resistance to new ideas causes significant employee turnover and personal distress, including feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

#3about 3 minutes

A strategic shift from convincing to reducing resistance

Instead of pushing your ideas, focus on reducing resistance by asking questions and taking a pause before responding to understand the other person's perspective.

#4about 3 minutes

Using the AIM method to guide difficult conversations

The AIM framework (Achieve, Impact, Mood) helps structure communication to ensure conversations are productive and leave participants feeling heard.

#5about 3 minutes

Adapting your message to different communication styles

Identify whether you are speaking to a quick decision-maker, a careful considerer, or a team player to tailor your communication for maximum impact.

#6about 2 minutes

Focus on connection over being the loudest voice

The key to impactful communication is to listen for understanding rather than just to respond, using questions to foster connection and collaborative thinking.

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