Applying this one badminton technique strengthens your relationship with stakeholders

I played a lot of badminton as a kid at school, regional and national level. And there’s one golden rule my coaches drilled in to me that improved my game and can improve your relationships with stakeholders. You’ll stand out as a better listener and someone who has focus and attention. Here’s how…

I can remember the squeak of my green flash shoes on the court. 

The joy when a smash had just the right angle on it.

And of how much running I would do to get to that shuttlecock.

One thing I was taught very early on was the importance of getting back to centre after taking a shot.

It kept you engaged in the game.

And ready for the next shot whether it was going to float delicately just over the net or would be lobbed high and wide.

“Get yourself in the middle of that court, racket up, knees bent and be ready for the next shot” my coaches told me.

Conversations also have shots.

My turn.

Your turn.

How to keep your stakeholder relationships strong

And stakeholder relationships are no different. It’s about keeping things going, being receptive and responsive with our words and out listening skills.

Building connection.

Sharing Ideas.

Creating plans.

Offering solutions.

And the quality of the engagement you can create means the quality of the relationship and keeping your stakeholder network strong and buoyant.

So, what’s the one thing you can do to keep that engagement high in online conversations?

Just like badminton and the importance of returning to the centre after taking a shot, returning to the camera pays dividends.

How to engage with your stakeholder

To you it’s a camera.

To your stakeholder you’re speaking with it’s them being looked in the eyes.

To you it can feel odd.

To your stakeholder you’re talking to it means they feel seen and heard.

To you it can feel a bit clunky when you start doing this.

To your stakeholder it can mean you think about how this experience feels for them.

So, next time you’re on an online call remember to return to centre and spend more time looking at the camera than at your screen.

And notice how your connections strengthen one conversation at a time.

If you’re looking to grow your communication skills and become better at networking and raising your visibility at work, drop me a line on mica@micaallan.com