Significant Career Lesson From a Founder and CEO at Konnekted Coworking
Nickolaus, Founder & CEO of Konnekted Coworking, learned the significant career lesson of mastering "the right thing to say and the right time to say it," illustrating this with a past experience where telling a superior to "get your ego in check" prematurely ended their professional relationship; this highlighted the importance of choosing words carefully and considering the context and impact before speaking, emphasizing that "once you've said it aloud...you can no longer unsay it."
Communication, Leadership, Professionalism, Business, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nickolaus Violin
Founder & CEO
Konnekted Coworking
Cal State Northridge, 2017
UCAL Anderson | MBA
Marketing
Hospitality, Restaurants & Events, Real Estate
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Effective communication is crucial for career advancement. Knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it can significantly impact your success. Poorly timed or phrased communication can hinder career growth, even leading to job loss.
2. It's important to be mindful of your words and consider the impact they may have on others. Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. Thoughtful communication is essential for building strong relationships and navigating professional challenges.
3. Analyzing communication styles of successful leaders can be beneficial. Consider how different leaders convey messages and adapt your communication strategies accordingly to enhance your effectiveness. This involves understanding your audience and tailoring your approach appropriately.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Knowing the right thing to say and the right time to say it is crucial. This also means knowing when not to say the wrong things.
I was working at a job I quit to get into real estate. I worked directly for the CEO while launching a new technology-based division in an industry with limited technology security, specifically access control. Users would badge in to enter.
There was a contentious deployment. Even though I was new to the industry, I kept trying to tell the CEO that something was going to go wrong. He respected some of my points, but still treated me as if my inexperience mattered more than my insights.
When the issue did arise, we got into an argument. I told him he needed to get his ego in check, and I said that on the phone. That was the end of my career there, and it marked a significant turn.
From that point forward, I realized there was no room for growth in that company. I could have approached the situation differently, so that was entirely my fault. Being a wordsmith and knowing what to say and when is incredibly valuable.
I'll revert back to a conversation we had about past presidents and their differing styles of message delivery. The difference in how Obama delivers a message versus Trump, or Clinton versus Bush, is huge.
It's so important to choose how and what you say, and to pick the right time. This can determine if people like you, if you get a job, or if you land a client. All of that depends on what comes out of your mouth.
My friend and I always said there are two things you can't get back: time and the spoken word. Once you've said something aloud, you can't unsay it.
So, be mindful and think before you speak. Consider if what you're about to say is the right thing to say at the right time. Telling your boss to get his ego in check during a heated argument is not the right approach.