Do you know a talker? Someone who is amazing at their job and in life- but they can’t stay quite, not even for a second! We love people who are bright and enthusiastic, but not so much when all they do is talk and talk and talk… well, you get the picture.

So, what do you do when you have a long-winded person on your staff? Or, in your life?

First, be direct. Have a private discussion about a work issue. Don’t be negative in anyway, either. You want to cut to the chase and say what is on your mind in a nice tone. Just explain why the talking is a problem and how you feel it can be corrected- and corrected easily.  I can’t say the person’s feelings won’t be hurt. In fact, their feelings will probably be hurt- but in the end you’re helping him/her and your company.

You also want to provide better direction. For example,  tell the person if an email is going to be over two paragraphs long that the subject is no longer appropriate for email and another outlet is required.  You can also make suggestions for meeting presentations when it comes to time or speaking at a meeting when it comes to ideas or feedback. If you set up time expectations, it will help guide him/her when it comes to organizing thoughts and key points.

Also make mention what managers and CEOs want to see and hear. Explanations aren’t always needed. Payoff and the basic bullet points are usually all people care about in brief conversations. So, unless someone wants all the details and asks for them, keep conversations and emails concise when providing follow up or touching-base with a client and/or executive.