Despite a wide array of books and courses on the subject of good communications, people are still struggling to communicate well within their personal and professional lives. With the fiscal year coming to an end, this time of year can prove to be challenging with high expectations and much pressure to close as much business as possible. This makes for tense times with colleagues, contractors and even family members. Without mindfulness around your communication, stress levels can easily lead to arguments. Take the following 3 Tips as guidance on managing your communication better, now AND going forward!
Many books and courses have been created around the subject that one should think we are all masters in effective communication by now. Yet so much more work needs to be done. We all find ourselves daily in the midst of written and verbal conversations, trying to read and understand situations and then respond appropriately.
Sometimes these conversations start out harmlessly and seemingly basic in content. Suddenly one thing happens and a situation can escalate to the extreme. No more! We all want to get along nicely and put our energies into the things that really matter. So how can you avoid disappointments or misunderstandings caused by communicating with others?
A really crucial part is to think before you speak and double think before you put something in writing. So much damage could be prevented if more people gave proper consideration to the power of the word. Therefore start with yourself and stop, consider and then speak with the right intent. A point can be made in many ways, but it is your choice of HOW you are going to make it.
Avoid to assume anything. Ensure you ask and check instead of making false assumptions. I am sure you can remember a situation that you have ‘misread’ due to not properly investigating but simply assuming. This can have a detrimental effect on you and your relationships with others. Therefore make it your mission to ALWAYS get the facts before reacting.
And last but certainly not least, never take anything personally. This is a tough request that will save you from much unnecessary heartache. Situations and people’s actions are self conditioned and not due to anything to do with you. So stop searching for a self defined reason, accept the situation for what it is and move on. If you ALLOW yourself not to take anything personally, you will create a space for easy.
Take those 3 key lessons forward and practice the mastery of good communication. You will find this to be helpful in the next few weeks leading up to year end. But furthermore, make these part of your guiding principles and watch how relationships flow with more ease now and forevermore!
Your MCG Inc. Team
