…..I remind them on their own behalf to think of celebrated
heads of state or especially great communicators. Didn't they have brains or knowledge?
Don’t make me laugh! They were Popular. ….
Are the great communicators because they are popular or are
they popular because they can communicate greatly? One of life’s great
mysteries.
I myself am not a good communicator. I tend to get flustered
and awkward. However given time to think and return back to whatever is being
spoken about I am awesome. I’ve always said I am a wonderful person to have
around the day after an emergency.
So who are some people that communicate? Oprah. Newscasters.
Presidents. But communication has changed now. I mean facebook and twitter can
be considered communication devices – that totally changes the game. Hmmmm….
Moms are usually excellent communicators. Moms can look at
their child and have an instant communication.
I know my mom was always good at talking to me.
My friend Lisa is awesome at getting groups of people to
understand one another. She is also wonderful at unraveling confusion. Lisa is
great because she has this ability, a super power if you will, to hear the core
of what someone is saying and then is able to portray that message to others
and not a single person has hurt feelings in the end. There are many intangible things that make Lisa
good at this. For one thing she looks at people when they are speaking. She is
also good at the “repeat back” – making the speaker hear what those listening
hear.
Has anyone read Crucial Conversations? It is an important
book. Kerry Patterson, Jospeh Grenny,
Ron McMillian, and Al Switzer have made a book all about intense conversations.
It was great for me. Little things like using I statements to avoid putting
words in the other’s mouth. Don’t ever assume what the other is thinking. Really, I recommend this book.
Ok so what is the wrap up message? Communicating is
important to life. [though it may or may not make you popular]
Oh, My! I Love Wicked!!! What a cool reference!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about hind sight - unfortunately, more often than not it usually results in my not addressing a situation because it is too awkward to readdress the topic or situation. I can also relate to the concept of putting words in others' mouths'- I have had to consciously control this urge, but still fall flat at times.
Thanks for the insight and recommended book.
Laura-I'm glad you said what the picture was because I actually wasn't sure. Koni, I like how you wrote that moms are good communicators because I think a lot are. I think they are great at non-verbal communication and understanding the non-verbals with their own children. You're friend Lisa sounds great too. Having the ability to talk to people and also work with others when they are talking in a group is a great assest and something I wish I was better at.
ReplyDeleteKoni,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog very creative. Yes moms are great communicators and I find myself communicating daily not only to my children but to other children. It great to have a good friend and you are blessed to have Lisa. Thanks for sharing.
Koni,
ReplyDeleteI do too consider that mothers are competent communicators, especially when their offspring are adults and a real conversation -without tantrums- can take place. I consider that when moms have young children their conversations are more challenging but still productive.
Thanks for the suggestion of the Crucial Conversations book and let me tell you that the “I” statements are helpful in avoiding misunderstandings, I use them when talking to my husband and they help to stay away from endless disputes.