Cut and Color

Have you ever had a bad hair day?  It is a phrase that we use when our hair will not behave the way that we want.  You may choose to wear a hat or pull it back in a ponytail when it is not manageable.  If the styling issues continue to happen on a regular basis, it may be time to do something different.  Your hair is one of the easiest things to change when you want a new look.  A common salon fix is cut and color.  Modifying the length and shade of hair transforms your overall appearance.  The same concept works for your communication channels and styles.

Cut - Sometimes your hair just needs to be trimmed.  The split ends are causing the problem.  Similarly, your interactions with others may be hindered by the way you communicate with them.  When you share a message that is not clear or is incomplete, there is a break (split) in how others understand you.  Check the responses you receive to determine if you need to trim your message in order to remove anything that interferes with the true meaning of what you are saying.  If you want a more definitive cut for your hair, your hairdresser might cut it in layers.  This allows you to vary lengths and provides more styling options.  Sometimes when you speak, write, or listen to someone, it helps to think of the communication in sections, or layers.  Consider the 3 Ts: Tool, Tone, and Timing.   The comprehension of what you are trying to convey may depend on what method, or tool, is used for delivery - face to face, calling, writing, or nonverbal.  Practice using all of them to increase your proficiency and versatility.  The next layer is comprised of intention and interpretation.  Your tone affects how open others are to hear from you.  Finally, when you say something is just as important as what you say and how you say it.             

Color - What is your natural hair color?  A better question might be what color would you like to have?  Do you want to be a blonde, brunette, or redhead?  Select the shade that matches your personality.  You can also dye your communication.  It won't always line up with how you feel or behave.  It needs to fit the situation.  Choose softer (blonde) words to encourage, comfort, and promote others.  Focus on the positive attributes.  Use harder (brunette) gestures when you want to display enthusiasm, support, and appreciation.  A standing ovation is a perfect example.  No words are needed.  Rising to your feet and applauding speaks volumes.  When you want to be noticed, there are bolder (red) words and moves that will draw attention to you.  If you run toward or point at something, you send the message that it is of interest to you.  Of course, you may want to incorporate elements of all three colors.  One way to do this is to get highlights.  They don't change the color of all of the hair.  However, certain strands are tinted to contrast with the primary shade.  This is an important communication concept.  There are usually key points that you want to highlight when you write or speak.  You might use bold, italic, or underlined text for written work.  If you are talking, you may raise or lower your voice to highlight what you are saying.  You can also repeat if for emphasis. 

Does your communication style need a cut and color makeover?  Leave a comment and share how you will apply these principles this week.