INT 150: Challenges in Communication

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt Podcast, host Linda Yates and guest speaker Kristen Brabble delve into the crucial aspects of effective communication. Kristen, a talented and experienced banking industry professional, shares her struggles and valuable insights into the art of communication. 

Join us as we explore the importance of clear, concise, and consistent communication, the challenges of virtual meetings, and the power of effective messaging in various scenarios.

The Personal Journey of Kristen Brabble

• Kristen shares her passion in her current role within the banking sector, where they have a strategy development mindset and a drive to grow the bank and its franchise. 
• She is a mother of two little ones and expresses her excitement about becoming a new parent. 
• Additionally, she highlights her commitment to giving back to the community and the positive impact she strives to make with her organization.

The Impact of Effective Communication 

• Clear communication is paramount to a successful organization, and Kristen emphasizes the importance of being clear, concise, and consistent in messaging. 
• She stresses the need to repeat important messages throughout a conversation, avoiding fluff or unnecessary details.
• Keeping messages focused and to the point ensures our audience understands and retains the information we share.

The Pitfalls of Virtual Communication

• The pandemic has brought about both positive and negative impacts on technology and connecting people. 
• While virtual meetings have become the norm, Kristen expresses concerns about their detrimental effect on the business world. 
• Without in-person interaction, gauging emotions and gathering participant input becomes more challenging. 
• She emphasizes the significance of in-person meetings, which allow for a better understanding of body language and immediate verbal communication.

Kristen's Experience with Overcoming Communication Challenges 

• She shares her personal struggles with communication and the lessons she has learned along the way. 
• Kristen highlights the tendency for leaders and teams to make assumptions and stresses the importance of not assuming that people know the direction or plan. 
• Communicating directly and without sugarcoating minimizes breakdowns in communication and allows for a more direct and productive exchange.

Communication Strategies 

• Kristen details various strategies employed in their professional life to improve communication within the organization. 
• These include sending personalized, motivational handwritten notes to all employees, conducting employee stay surveys, and implementing employee conference calls.
• One of the key takeaways is the need for executive management to actively listen and understand employees' perspectives, leading to more effective communication and growth.

Listen to this week’s guest speaker, Kristen, as she shares valuable insights into the world of communication. From personal struggles to professional triumphs, our speaker provides invaluable advice on navigating communication challenges in various scenarios. Tune in to Int-HER-rupt and discover the secrets to delivering impactful messages and fostering strong connections within your professional and personal life.

"I have struggled with my tone, rushing through explanations and not taking the time to properly explain ideas. But I understand that tone is crucial when delivering a message, even if the message itself is strong. It's important to be pumped up and explain things in detail to my team. Everyone should watch their tone when delivering any type of message." - Kristen Brabble.

Resources

Kristen Brabble LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.