COMMUNICATION TIPS
Articulate Learn how to articulate clearly and accurately in the moment.
Understand Open to understand others, be respectful of their point of view.
Truth Remind yourself to speak only truth, get out of the automatic mode.
Humility Don’t take yourself seriously, be able to admit when you’re wrong.
Emotion Allow your emotions to teach you about yourself, do not react emotionally.
New Open up to new thoughts and possibilities, do not repeat unhealthy patterns.
Time Take the time to listen, take time to learn about your ability to communicate.
Integrity Always communicate with the highest integrity and respect of others.
Clarity Be clear with your words and actions; be sure you were heard.
PATIENTS BECOME BETTER DOCTORS
Communication is a skill that we think we all know and
most of us pay little attention to the way it affects every aspect of
our lives. Communicating with a “boss” can be challenging
just as communicating as a “boss” can be equally as
challenging. We usually see it from “our seat” and not the
other. One of the first and most powerful ways to improve your
communication is through “putting yourself in the other’s
seat.” I do not mean literally although that would certainly
help. Have you ever seen the movie about the doctor who requires all of
his interns to become patients at a hospital as part of their training?
The message in that movie is so profound I wish everyone could see it,
not only doctors, because this is a lesson that all of us can learn
from.
When we take the time to “look through the
other’s eyes” we gain insight that cannot be gained in any
other way. This helps more than any other method. And this is
challenging. For many times we do not want to give up our agenda and
our beliefs even for a moment to gain that deeper understanding. We
have little time, appreciation or understanding of “where”
the other person is coming from. We want to stay in our truth, our
limited understanding. In business settings I see this all of the time
as a barrier to greater productivity and success. In my one-on-one
work, I see this as a critical element missing in every aspect of our
lives: individually, business, and group interaction.
It is not easy, for we really do not want to look at
the other side…and we do not want to take the time to look
through the other’s eyes. All I can tell you is that it is the
most valuable time you can spend if you want true success. I hear some
of you saying to me that I can’t change them so why bother? It is
not about changing them; it is about growing your understanding and you
becoming a more successful, more productive communicator.
Until you can truly put yourself in the other’s
shoes you are limiting yourself in your understanding. Why would you do
this? If you want success in that relationship, whatever it may be, if
you are truly working on long term success, you will watch that movie,
you will take the time to put yourself in the other’s shoes.
– Dalila Adams, President
