When you desire to effectively anticipate needs, you can always think DETAILS.

E – Engage in Conversation:

Being a detailed person and cultivating habits that anticipate needs require engaging in conversation. This is important in anticipating needs because often the main way in which we receive the information we use to gauge needs. This can be a real problem because many people struggle with engaging in effective and meaningful conversation.  Here are a few of my thoughts about engaging in conversation:

Engage with Confidence
There are so many different forms of communication, sometimes you are required to get out from behind the computer and have one on one conversations.  When presenting an idea or seeking to gather information, communicate with confidence.

1. Do Research - Know your product (subject) be ready to defend what you are presenting.

2. Can Do Attitude - Confidence doesn't meant arrogance, rather optimism. Humility (puzzle piece)

3. Know Your Audience - Just because you know your product isn’t enough, you need to know the person you are engaging. You won’t alway be able to have prior knowledge of the person you are meeting with. However, as you grow in your ability to communicate, you will be able to get a read on them.

Engage with Clarity
Another way to grow in your communication is to engage with clarity. This helps to guarantee that everyone is understanding what is being communicated.  

1. Write Out Your Thoughts - It can help to write out your thoughts before a meeting to make sure you know what it is you intend to communicate. This will also ensure that everyone is able to get on the same page.

2. Ask Questions - Bring a list of questions for the other person. It can be helpful, when listening to someone else, to acknowledge what is being asked of you by repeating what was said back to the other person to ensure you are on the same page.

3. Send a Follow-up Email - If further clarity is needed you can additionally help by recapping the conversation in an email. If anything, this will put in writing something that only took place in a conversation.

|  Credits: Author - Jacintha Payne; Photography - Calvin Payne  |

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