Effective Communication
The other day I was chatting with my co-author about ideas for our upcoming Special Treasures website. Within 60 seconds, she looked me in the eye and gently said, “We’re not on the same page.” Wow. What a powerful, yet gentle and effective way to state a need (I don’t agree) and a vision of a goal (to be on the same page) all in one simple sentence. And she didn’t have to spend one penny from her emotional bank account! No one was made out to be right or wrong. Rather, the goal for the coversation was identified as:to be on the same page (to both understand and agree with a plan).
Happily, within a few minutes we were able to get on the same page by clarifying our thoughts and sharing information.
Can you see how this could work for you in your communications both at home and at work?
Here’s how:
1. Take a breath and put emotions in check.
2. Communicate your desire to reach an agreement or an understanding.
3. Determine what it would take to get “on the same page.”
4. Commit to listening for understanding and sharing important information in a positive way.
5. Take a break if needed to stay in a positive and foward moving direction.
Having said all of that, I think I will take my own advice and use this communication tool when speaking with my teenager later!
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Tags: effective communication, emotional bank account, Special Treasures, teenagers
