John Gaglion has his fitness business focused on his powerlifting niche in Long Island, NY.
But many of his communication tactics he has learned from other industries.
Improvisation has helped John improve his leadership and communication.
He has condensed his knowledge into 3 Top Communication Tips
1.) “Yes, and”
The “Yes, and” concept which John has implemented from improv allows you to agree with what someone is saying, and then build upon their thought.
It is acceptance and addition.
It is important to acknowledge first that you have actually listened to the other person’s thoughts, absorbed them, and continue on with the conversation positively.
For example…
… If you’re having a conversation with a member about their struggles with an exercise…
…the “yes, and” would be ” yes and I have experienced a shoulder injury where x,y,and z helped me personally.”
This accepts what they are saying and then adds to the conversation.
It also helps keep things in a positive mindset.
2.) Focus On The Positives
A positive version of the same story is more useful than the negative.
This means to construct your words in a positive mindset.
Focus first on something good that is accomplished.
Then find new things to improve.
3.) Look Good
No, we don’t mean that you need a fresh cut from the salon.
If you need to correct a behavior of a staff member, do it in a way that makes them look good.
Pull them aside at an appropriate time where you address something good first, then provide a correction.
You can provide constructive criticism while still making them look good in the process.
John shares more about his communication methods on Episode 14 of the Level Up Your Gym Podcast, “3 Tips to Communicate Clearly and Kindly – A Conversation with John Gaglion“.
