Zendoway
Connect
  • Home
  • Coaching
    • Kerry's Bio
    • Complimentary Coaching Session
    • Ask a Question
    • Coaching Packages
  • Infusion Programs
  • Cubes
    • Affirmations
    • Breathing
    • Chakra
    • Coping Strategies
    • Feelings
    • Gratitude
    • Happy
    • Nourishment
    • Play
    • Positivity
    • Principles
    • Questions
    • Stressed Out?
    • Yoga Poses
    • Cube Pictures
  • Kids
  • Videos
    • Guided Relaxations
    • Breathing and Eyes
    • Head Neck and Balance
    • Shoulders Wrists and Hands
    • Hips and Torso
    • Feet and Legs
    • Movement
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Publications
  • Store
  • Connect
  • Guided Journal

The Biggest Mistake You’re Making When You Communicate

7/26/2019

1 Comment

 
Picture
Here is a challenge for you: think back to a recent conversation you had. Did you experience the phenomenon where you began talking about one topic, but suddenly, without realizing it, got on to a different topic? A subject that was unrelated to the initial conversation? Maybe you even forgot what the initial conversation was about!

This game of telephone happens when we try to relate instead of listen. This isn’t entirely wrong - we may think we’re helping when we share our stories and that it will bring us closer to the people we interact with. While communication can do all of those things, it’s important to realize that some people simply want a safe space to vent. Many times, when people have a problem or issue, they hold the solution inside of themselves. Unless they specifically ask for advice or want to hear if something similar has happened to you, try to refrain from relating and focus on listening instead.

If you are struggling with this, active listening is a practice that can help you fine-tune the way you show up in your conversations. It comprises two simple parts: Listening and Understanding.

Listening:
Allow the other person to express themselves fully before offering your opinions, and do so only if they ask.
  • Practice Empathy: Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to see things from their perspective.
  • Focus Attention: Listen fully and limit distractions like phones.
  • Show Listening: Provide subtle responses, such as “yes” or “I understand.”
  • Suspend Judgment: Resist making assumptions.


Understanding:
Verifying what you’ve heard is a good way to validate the other person in the conversation. It shows them you care.
  • Be Responsive: Provide direct responses like “tell me more…”
  • Ask Questions: Ask questions to gather details.
  • Verify Understanding: Summarize what you heard to verify understanding.
  • Be Open: Be open to what the other has to say.


It’s a cliché that communication is vital, but it’s true: communication is the thread that connects us all together. The next time you enter a conversation with someone, try to avoid the game of telephone. The paradox of it is, in not relating, you may even find that you relate more. Give someone the gift of listening, it is free and one of the best gifts you can give.

What have you learned by listening?
1 Comment
Anna Miller link
10/28/2020 11:37:56 am

Practice empathy is very important!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    We love to share ways to enhance your day.
    ​

    Human Resources Today

    Archives

    March 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All
    Ayurveda
    Communication
    Corporate Wellness
    Giving Back
    Ideas To Reuse
    If It Does Not Grow Say No
    Intentions
    Kids
    Leadership/Teamwork
    Mantras
    March Kindness
    Meditation
    Natural Remedies
    New Years Intentions
    Podcasts
    Recipes
    Saying Yes
    Self Care
    Zendo Cubes

    RSS Feed

Zendoway All Rights Reserved 2013-2020