Seems like everything needs to fit 30 second sound bites. From TV commentary, to commercials, to communications between people.
Why? We’ve been conditioned to short attention spans in our day-to-day lives.
Yet, when reading book we like or watching riveting TV show. Going to movies, concerts or the theatre, we have no trouble fully concentrating. Why? No distractions other than what we are attending.
Can that attention span carry over to daily communications? Sure, but then why does it seem so infrequent?
Answer: the daily pulls on our attention. During our normal conversations there are other things going on. Someone walking by, partially overhearing other conversations, horn honking, someone calling, flash from a screen. Scientists have studied this and found there are always up to 10 other things going on at same time. No wonder attention spans are getting short!
How to make short communications work for us.
Embrace the communication style. Start to shorten conversations
How?
By being more intentional with our communications.
What happens if someone asks a person to describe their management style? Actually, not much. Person, starts talking. They will describe their style, but it will likely take few minutes. Most people formulate their thoughts as they talk. Wrong approach.
Intentional communications require people to stop. Formulate their thoughts and words. Then speak.
When a person is preparing a presentation. Or getting ready to prove their point. What do they do? Prepare in advance.
Exactly what a person should do when preparing to answer questions like:
Describe your management style.
Describe your career goals.
Describe your most significant accomplishments.
Why we should hire/promote you?
What skills and traits do you bring us?
All 5 questions need answers in 30 seconds. Short, succinct, clear answers get the attention of AI, ATS systems and people interviewing you. Or bosses just talking to you. Stand out!
AI, ATS systems, interviews, introductions, even casual meetings, all need careful thinking.
Preparing 30 second answers in four simple steps.
A person is likely to be asked about their management style at least 20 times over next 3-4 years.
Using the exact words describe “your management style”? Probably not. Being asked How you like to manage. Or how do you best communicate. How do you get your points across. That’s just different wording for same question. Describe your management style.
Reflect on how you communicate with others.
Commuting, going to store, taking relaxing drive or walk. All great places to think with minimal interruptions.
Think about the words would you use.Start string the words together.
Best way to do this? Talk out loud to yourself. Hearing your own words will quickly identify where more thought is needed. You can accomplish the same thing by writing down your thoughts. Crossing out or adding words as you go.Shorten description to 30 seconds.
Now is time to write words down to see how they look and flow.Practice Your Management Style out loud. First to yourself. Then to 2-3 others. Ask them:
-Do I make sense.
-Did words sound awkward? Sound like I talk.-Critique me.
Last week I was coaching. After few minutes person interrupted me. “Why in heck are we doing this? I know my own damn management style? This seems like waste.
Why? Individual stumbled all over themselves.
Does person know their own style? Absolutely. Knowing style and describing style are different skill sets.
My answer to person: You want to stand out from other candidates when applying to new jobs. Immediately stand out when being introduced. (By 30 second management style you have written as part of their introduction of you.)
When being introduced to an audience their introduction should have:
People on edge of their seats,
Turning off their cell phones,
Closing up whatever they were reading.
Breaking off conversation they were having
That can’t happen unless you have provided a short written introduction. Don’t just leave it up to the person introducing you. Do what leaders do: Take charge.
Take control right from the start.
Your thoughts need to be interesting, attention getting, succinct, and clear.
That rarely happens when speaking spontaneously.
Leadership starts with words leader uses. Think about leaders you know. They stand out because they immediately gain our attention. They can clearly and quickly, describe their management style.
We each need to do the same thing. Not just when being asked question, but every time we have meaningful conversations.
Quit being spontaneous. Start being intentional.
Leaders understand they are on stage every time they speak. We each enhance our leadership by thinking and talking with intention.
Your career is worth thinking about. Commit to yourself to speak with intention. Not just about your Management Style. Be the leader you are meant to be!
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
