Over-Explaining: The Unseen Barrier to Your Professional Growth

Sep 14, 2023

We’ve all been there: the meeting where we wanted to look competent, the email chain where we hoped to cover all bases, or the interview where we aimed to impress. But what if in our earnest endeavor to be thorough, we’re actually creating more problems for ourselves? Enter over-explaining, an often-overlooked trait that can seriously impede your career growth.

The Pitfalls of Over-Explaining 

Over-explaining doesn’t just eat up time; it undermines your authority and dilutes the impact of your message. Imagine a leader who elaborates on every single point in excruciating detail. Not only does this make meetings longer and less productive, but it also subtly sends the message that the audience may not be trusted to understand things the first time. In turn, this can damage your reputation and relationships at work.

 

The Role of ICF-certified Coaching 

So, how can you shed this habit and streamline your communication? That’s where the International Coaching Federation (ICF) comes into the picture. There are many reasons why ICF-certified coaching can be a game-changer. Let’s look at some of them below:

 

Self-Awareness

The cornerstone of ICF coaching is to build self-awareness. Understanding your triggers and the root cause of your need to over-explain can be a transformative first step.

 

Active Listening

An important part of its structure, ICF-certified coaching focuses on active listening. The idea is to fully understand before seeking to be understood. This practice can help you gauge your audience better and tailor your explanations to what is truly necessary.

 

Accountability

With regular coaching sessions, you remain accountable for your communication style. Over time, you’ll notice that you’ve started to articulate more clearly and concisely, thus elevating your professional interactions.

 

Personalized Strategies

ICF-accredited coaches use tools tailored to your specific needs. You might need to practice ‘power pauses,’ or perhaps you require a script to manage your flow of thought. Whatever it is, your coach will guide you.

 

Take the Next Step 

If over-explaining has been hindering your career progression, the time for action is now. At Coacharya, our cadre of ICF PCC/ACC/MCC–certified coaches are experts in refining communication styles for professionals across industries. We offer a collaborative approach that focuses on your unique challenges, helping you find a balanced communication strategy that enhances your professional persona.

Are you prepared to move beyond the limitations of over-explaining and open up new avenues in your career journey? If the answer is yes, we invite you to connect with us at community@coacharya.com. Want to start a discussion instead? Join us on CoachNook and share your thoughts with us.


Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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