Do you have to deliver volatile news to a group comprised of dominant “cat” personalities? Learn how your body language and breathing can help you get your message across more easily.
“Cats” is a term borrowed from Michael’s analogy of household pets, describing people with “independent” personalities. If you know someone who always wonders “what’s in it for them,” chances are they’re a cat.
Want to know how to deal with a “big cat” one-on-one? Check out How to Deliver Volatile News While Sitting.
[Narrator] We’re about to sneak into Michael Grinder’s training room. He’s a pioneer when it comes to nonverbal communication. Let’s listen as he shares some of his secrets.
Normally we break eye contact to convey volatile news. “Cats” want us to look them in the eye and break the volatile news. The secret is to deliver the news:
- Without blinking
- Keep your head still and back straight
- Breathe low
Michael shares an example:
“I want to thank you. I know that you’re regional managers, and you have a lot of people that report to you. But let’s be clear. This company’s going to fold if we can’t pull up at least a 38% increase in sales. I hope you’re still with us next quarter, individually.”
Optional — A metaphor can cement the message.
“But like a storm that rips through your yard and there are bad limbs that fall to the ground, only the healthy will survive. You need to renew your commitment because we can’t let dead wood sap the energy from the healthy branches on this tree. Come back on Monday with your game plan and your new business outline.”
Refinement Skill: “And watch when I turn, I don’t even blink when I turn.”
Debrief: The effect of no blinking. “Now, when I do that too much, my eyes look like I’ve been drinking all day. They get very, very red because I haven’t been moistening them enough.”
Now that you know what to watch for, see the scene again.
“I want to thank you. I know that you’re regional managers and you have a lot of people that report to you. But let’s be clear. This company is going to fold if we can’t pull up at least a 38% increase in sales. I hope you’re still with us next quarter, individually. But like a storm that rips through your yard and there are bad limbs that fall to the ground, only the healthy survive. You need to renew your commitment because we can’t let dead wood sap the energy from the healthy branches on this tree. Come back on Monday with your game plan and your new business outline.”
Do you want to improve your group communication skills?
You’ve only started to scratch the surface! Check out Managing Groups: The Fast Track for even more actionable insights into managing your “cats and dogs.”
Would your team benefit from working with Michael one-on-one? Check out his Freedom Through Perception group coaching.