Interaction Engineering: The action of working artfully to create something of value when two or more people communicate with each other.
We know that how the people who make up a business all work together, understand each other and communicate is as important as how software packages interact or a production line functions.
People are often the nuts and bolts of a business; but that human resource is above all else, human.
We use skills, processes, tools and techniques gained and developed over 20 years to help you improve your interactions.
Interactions
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an interaction is “an occasion when two or more people or things communicate with or react to each other”.
In a business sense, interactions happen almost all the time. These interactions all have consequences. The better the interaction, the better the results.
We utilise some key processes to help you get better results.
Processes
These processes have been adapted from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and are exceptionally effective when used in conjunction with the tools and techniques described below.
Outcome, Observation, Flexibility
Having a clear goal in mind helps you to improve an interaction. How you set that goal is crucial and puts you at an advantage.
Looking and listening carefully helps you to get the feedback you need to understand whether you are getting close to your outcome or not. You do need to know what to listen or look for though.
Having flexibility in your behaviour means that you are able to change your approach to help you achieve your outcome.
Pace, Pace, Lead
It is much easier to lead someone to an outcome than to push or force them there.
You are much more likely to buy something from someone you like, than someone you don’t like. We like people who we have a rapport with so you need to build and maintain rapport with the person you are interacting with. This is the first “Pace”.
The Second “Pace” requires you to demonstrate that you understand what it is like for them in their world.
Only when you have rapport and understanding can you lead a person or group of people to the outcomes you are looking for.
Toolbox
If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. You will have developed your interaction skills over many years and they will be effective in most situations, but not all of them.
Just like a hammer is no good at tightening a wingnut, so some of your approaches will not work in some situations. We can help you to extend the range of tools in your toolbox so that you can choose the right tool for the job.
This eclectic mix of tools has been developed over the last twenty years and comes from our experience in Interaction Engineering: Leadership Development, Coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Team Development and Communication skills.