Page 91 - Mousumi: Unbelievable Transformation

development. The ascent is generally faster and smoother for the intelligent
communicator. Unfortunately, quite a few professionals with many other
capabilities but who lack this skill fail to make it to the position they deserve to
attain.
So what is intelligent communication? This leads us to the inevitable question of
what qualities make the difference between a successful communicator and the
rest.
As the Gurus keep telling, good listening, eye contact, proper body
language, and appropriate vocabulary are some of the vital requirements.
While there can be no dispute on that, it is also important to understand as to
what is the single most important underlying trait that showcases all these other
qualities of the gifted communicator. This trait is Emotional Intelligence (EI).
This inborn asset, in formidable combination with the fluency of language,
brings out the best in oral communication.
The emotionally intelligent person adapts his style to the personality traits of the
superior, customer, peer or any other stakeholder who is important to him or
her. He instead customizes his communication to the individual, to oil the
wheels of the ongoing transaction. For example, if the person in question is a
‘no-nonsense, shoot first and then ask questions’ type, the typically intelligent
communicator would be brief, polite and to the point with him. On the other
hand, if the other guy is jovial, ‘beat around the bush’ type, then again, his EI will
enable an appropriate approach. The person of high EI also will take into
account other vital factors like the prevailing mood and other engagements of
the other guy.

Timing and Mood

An interesting anecdote from my own work experience might be useful as an
example. In the initial days of my career, once I needed to leave for a few days, I
approached my boss for sanction. The time was around 12 noon. This
gentleman, who was known for his gruff behavior, shooed me away angrily.
Noting this with amusement, a senior colleague of mine called me aside and
advised me to go to the boss with the same request, but after around 1.30 PM,
when Mr Gruffy would have had his lunch and hence have a full tummy. On
following this advice, I found to my utter astonishment that his response was
now very friendly. He was smiling at me, gently patting his stomach all the while
with great satisfaction. And I got my leave instantly! This was an important
lesson to me. Not only the tone and content, but the timing is also very
important in all matters of communication.

Presence of Mind
An interesting anecdote involving Napoleon will serve to show the remarkable
presence of mind of a soldier. While inspecting one of his army divisions, the

♦♦Career Mantra♦♦ Page 90