Improve
Your Communication Skills
By
Wendy Hearn
In
the film 'Freaky Friday', a mother and teenage
daughter exchange bodies. It's a hilarious comedy
where they both get to experience what it's
like to be the other person.
As
I was watching this film, it reminded me of
how seeking to understand other people can be
so enlightening. Every day we have opportunities
to do this. Obviously we don't have to go to
the extreme of exchanging bodies, but metaphorically
speaking, we can step into other peoples' shoes.
Stepping
into other people's shoes fosters meaningful
communication, even under difficult circumstances.
Many problems we experience on a daily basis
are due to either a lack of communication, or
poor communication. One of the best ways to
break down communication barriers is to make
an effort to understand other people.
Once
we truly consider things from others' perspectives
and understand what inspires them, their beliefs
and fears etc., interpersonal relationships
improve dramatically. These relationships include:
In
all these relational situations, seeking to
understand the other person's perspective will
provide a great opportunity for you to grow
personally, and improve communication.
Awareness
The
first step is to simply be aware of the need
to understand other people's viewpoint. Next
time you have a conversation, instead of jumping
ahead with what you planned to say, whether
written or verbal, stop and consider what it
might be like to be in the other person's shoes.
If appropriate, you may choose to spend some
time gaining his understanding by asking questions
and listening - truly listening - to their responses.
Flexibility
After you have taken this first step, be careful
to avoid the attitude that your ideas, perspectives
and thoughts are always the right ones. For
some people, especially those with strong opinions,
this can feel threatening. It may also stir
up insecurities and fear. But like any fear,
the only way forward is to face it head on.
Keep practicing stepping into other people's
shoes. Keep forcing yourself to consider their
perspective, and how they may feel about things.
The
more you practice stepping into other peoples'
shoes, the more you'll experience the results
and benefits and meaningful, powerful communication.
Wendy
Hearn, Coach, works with business
owners, professionals and executives to discover
and unlock their own inspiration, to effortlessly
take the actions required to have the success
they desire.
To receive Wendy's free newsletter, send an
email to: newsletter@wendyhearn.par32.com
http://www.Business-Personal-Coaching.com
