8 Traits of Killer Communicators

Neuro-linguistic programming or NLP is a therapy system pioneered in the 1970's by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. NLP teaches people to become more self-aware and to become better communicators while simultaneously changing their patterns of mental and emotional behavior. In other words: begin to think different; begin to act different.

After studying several prominent and successful psychotherapists, Bandler and Grinder concluded that the most successful communicators IN ANY INDUSTRY shared a few common traits. Here's a quick summary of their findings along with some of my own thoughts... in no particular order of importance.

Great communicators are:

1.  Purposeful. They know what they want and are proactive rather than reactive.

2.  Flexible. They are open to change, and enjoy trying new ways of doing things, and can adjust on-the-fly.

3.  Intuitive. They read and are extremely responsive to the nonverbal communication and body language of others.

4.  Visionary. They are consistently looking at and evaluating the bigger picture. 

5.  Optimistic. They embrace difficult or challenging situations as learning opportunities rather than problems.

6.  Compassionate. They genuinely care for others and look for the good in people and circumstances.

7.  Talented. They are genuinely gifted and really good at what they do.

8.  Determined. They are internally driven and refuse to give up. 

Killer communicators know the precise outcome they want to achieve, are able to come up with different approaches to getting it, and are flexible all along the way. They are aware of their strengths AND opportunity areas, yet occasionally kick and scream just like everyone else sometimes.

©2009 Tom Leu