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:

  • Spouse
  • Parent and child
  • Co-workers
  • Managers and team
  • Peers
  • Clients and potential clients

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


 
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