They're nodding their heads, but ...

Through working at The Beacon Group, I take part in many Leadership Development workshops and meetings of all types. As people are listening to the speaker at these events, many are nodding their heads in agreement, some very vigorously! Even in one-on-one meetings, people will nod their heads and even murmur "umhmm" as you are speaking. As a good communicator you will, of course, be watching body language and all this nodding can give you a pretty good feeling - they understand and agree. This is very dangerous! I think it is worth taking some time to think about one of the critical elements of effective communication - checking for understanding. If you want to make the best use of your valuable time and everyone else's, it is so important to take the time to ensure that your message was understood as you intended it. Don't be fooled by the nodding heads!