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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Communication Code summary
Unlocking Every Relationship, One Conversation at a Time
21 mins
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The Communication Code
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What are communication codes?
Mike and Sarah were both professionals, married and raising kids together in a chaotic life of full schedules. They loved each other – but were noticing they were arguing more frequently and feeling like they were drifting apart. Mike tended to speak his thoughts out loud, while Sarah tended to bottle things up.
Mike, frustrated with Sarah’s lack of communication, sought help from an executive coach where he went through four stages of deciphering Sarah’s communication code.
The first stage surprised him: it was self-awareness. He had to look in the mirror and see what he was doing and how that might affect Sarah. He recognized that his tendency to think out loud could be very frustrating.
The second stage, awareness of others, happened pretty organically. Through seeing himself from Sarah’s perspective, he began to understand her better. He started to see her behaviors as responses to him. For example, when she withdrew and got quiet, he recognized that she needed some space to think.
Stage three was understanding. Mike started to understand Sarah’s body language and signals. He began ending the arguments with a simple acknowledgment that she was upset and an invitation to talk whenever she was ready.
Because of the trust built through this process, Sarah began opening up in stage four – the decoding stage. At this point, she gave Mike insights into what she was thinking and how she needed to communicate. For instance, she requested he ask more clarifying questions before jumping to conclusions. This was part of the cipher to unlocking her code.
Let’s go back to trust for a moment. Effective communication is complex because it relies on the cumulative effects of all your past interactions with the other person. Your ability to openly and honestly communicate relies on relational trust. If trust has ever been broken in the past, regaining it is paramount before effective dialogue can occur. Otherwise, skepticism or hesitancy will compromise transparent communication.
Additionally, you need to ensure there are mutually understood expectations to foster better exchanges. When expectations are mismatched or unrealistic, communication can easily break down.
Finally, be aware of lopsided interpersonal power. Whether it stems from financial inequality, status, experience, or other factors, a power imbalance can inhibit the person with less perceived power from communicating freely without fear of judgment or consequences. Their input may be limited or distorted by the conscious and subconscious suppressing effects of uneven power dynamics.
Once you understand these factors, you can begin to build effective communication. And that’s where the communication code comes in. In the next five sections, we’ll look at five code words that tell the person you’re talking to how you want to communicate. First up? Celebrate.
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What is The Communication Code about?
The Communication Code (2023) introduces five conversation code words: celebrate, care, clarify, collaborate, and critique. Together, they allow you to understand people’s true needs and intentions within any dialogue so you can apply the appropriate communication strategy and build deeper interpersonal connections – both in your personal and professional life.
The Communication Code Review
The Communication Code (2019) by Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram is a book that delves into the intricacies of effective communication and its impact on relationships and leadership. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- This book offers practical strategies and techniques that can be immediately implemented to improve communication skills and foster stronger connections.
- Through relatable stories and insightful case studies, it presents a holistic approach to communication, addressing both verbal and non-verbal aspects.
- The authors' emphasis on authenticity and genuine connection make this book an engaging read, ensuring that readers are not faced with a dull or monotonous experience.
Who should read The Communication Code?
- Business leaders and managers
- Individuals hoping to enrich their personal relationships
- Those in roles involving counseling, mediation, and conflict resolution
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The Communication Code FAQs
What is the main message of The Communication Code?
The main message of The Communication Code is the power and importance of effective communication in all aspects of life.
How long does it take to read The Communication Code?
The reading time for The Communication Code varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Communication Code a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Communication Code is a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. It offers practical insights and strategies for effective communication.
Who is the author of The Communication Code?
The authors of The Communication Code are Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram.
What to read after The Communication Code?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Communication Code, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei
- Sensitive by Jenn Granneman & Andre Sólo
- The Geek Way by Andrew McAfee
- The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C. Maxwell
- The Negativity Fast by Anthony Iannarino
- Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
- The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron
- Words on the Move by John McWhorter
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss