Before you speak or write, listen.
Before you speak or write, listen.
Communication is more than speaking and writing. Leah Anderson, the Republican Candidate for Minnehaha Auditor, gives us an inside look at communication in the auditor's office.
Many people think the county auditor’s job is just about numbers and elections. While it is important for the auditor to have an accounting background and experience with election issues, communication is a BIG part of the assignment.
If you just communicate you can get by. If you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles. — Jim Rohn
Listening is always the first step in effective communication. After we understand the issues, words can help us build trust and maintain relationships. They can inspire volunteers and team members and provide transparency. And most importantly, they can convey critical information.
The Minnehaha County Auditor communicates every day. He/she listens to, talks with, and writes to:
voters about the functions of the office, upcoming issues, and election questions
candidates running for office about election concerns
officials at the state department of revenue about tax matters
the Secretary of State about election issues
organizations collecting tax dollars about tax questions
poll workers/poll watchers about their responsibilities
staff members about auditing, tax, and election matters
retirement homes about voting procedures
the media about financial and voting concerns; and
the county commission about budgets, agendas, and minutes
Yes, that’s a lot of LISTENING, TALKING, AND WRITING! So it is critical that our auditor knows how to communicate skillfully.
In my current job, I do a considerable amount of communicating with customers, co-workers, vendors, and all levels of management. The first step is always listening. Then the right words can calm, reassure, or welcome. They can convey understanding and also the need for a more rational solution or stance.
But I need your support if we're going to get the job done! Please help me get the message out to voters in the next few weeks by CLICKING HERE. Early voting will be starting on September 23rd!"
Thanks, Leah
