Most communication problems at work aren’t about skill.

They’re about presence.

I was saying to someone recently: you are not your thoughts.

We know that because we can see them. We notice the commentary running in the background – rehearsing what to say, replaying what we just said, worrying how we’re being perceived.

Outwardly, we’re in the meeting.
Inwardly, we’re in our head.

Ruminating.
Second-guessing.
Catastrophising that one sentence might make us look foolish.

It’s hard to communicate clearly when most of our attention is focused on our own thinking.

The shift is simple, but not easy: moving our attention from our thoughts to the person in front of us.

Listening without drafting our reply.
Speaking without simultaneously critiquing ourselves

For many high performers, the real edge isn’t better communication tools.

It’s mastering the mind.

Can you shift it away from your thoughts and onto the person in front of you?
Can you listen without simultaneously composing your reply?.
Can you speak without running a parallel critique of yourself?

For many high performers, the real work isn’t improving their communication skills.

It’s learning to master their mind.