Chances are if you are reading this, you are not someone’s dependent, and much of what you do you do for others or because you have to. You have to do laundry, mow the grass, pay the bills, start that diet, install that transmission, go to the dentist, prepare your taxes. That mostly sounds awful. Why would anyone want to join you, if they didn’t have to?
My childhood friend Tom Sawyer had to whitewash the fence, but Tom was clever, and he concocted a plan. Tom made the task of whitewashing the fence irresistible to his friends and received help, lots of help. And though Twain’s classic fiction didn’t take it to this level, I reckon old Tom had a fun time himself once he got his friends on board.
What makes a strong leader? What makes a successful salesperson? What makes a great parent? Why do companies hire professionals to record their phone messages and advertisements? Why does Cindy’s class at the local fitness center leave you feeling inspired?  Communication. It’s not the only reason, but positive communication is a key element to unifying, inspiring, and rallying people.
How can you implement positive communication to rally others to join you on your have tos? 

• Energy: Bring it! Be confident, prepared, and excited. If you aren’t, why should anyone else be?
• Tone: Set it! This is going to be great, isn’t it?
• Challenge: Make it! I’ll bet we can get it done with you on board.
• Benefit: Sell it. There should be cheese at the end of the maze.

Every day, we have opportunities to affect how our communications are received, and by doing so, affect the response. Using energy, tone, challenge, and benefit, you can motivate people, (including yourself!) to act. While it may not be practical to use all of these at once, and using the same one all the time may lose its impact, with a bit of practice these elements of effective communication will prove helpful in the workplace, at home, with customers, with co-workers, with employees, with spouses, with children, with friends, and just about anyone else you interact with.
Controlling the tone of your communication is not a tactic or gimmick. It is not a spin or a pitch. It’s about maintaining a positive attitude and utilizing effective communication strategies. You can do this – and it’s going to be great.

Got a project that feels more like a have to than a want to? Don’t we all. Since the more’s the merrier, consider how you can pitch your have to to be a want to – for you and your team. How does positive communication impact your outcome? Add your thoughts below or email Ben directly!