I’m hearing about this alot in movies, television shows and in all sorts of business settings – the idea that communication is key.
It’s showing up through phrases like…
“we’re just not communicating”
or
“I need you to listen to me”
or
“if we can get over this communication issue, then we could get somewhere”
These phrases are buzzing in the air. The language of communication seems to be everywhere, but what are you doing with what you say you know about the subject?
Maybe this word gets attention because we live in the digital age and we have access to all types of communication mediums, whatever the reason, communication is becoming the word.
In reality our communication skills can ruin our lives and our families. And with the push of a button we can market our foolishness to the world. Which brings me to holiday communication and how you choose to talk to your family.
Let’s pause a minute.
- Think about who you’re talking to you.
- Think about what you want to say.
- Think about how they matter to you and then make a decision to deliver it in love.
Below are 3 quick tips for your holiday communication.
#1 Don’t hold family feuds over social media.
That’s right, no family arguments over Facebook, no family debates over Twitter. That’s communication foolishness — it’s bad for business and detrimental to the family.
It’s just wrong.
#2 Learn how to listen more.
Getting angry first and listening second is a bad idea. Anger has never been a long-term, effective communication model. Whether it’s passive aggression or direct rage, unchecked anger is destroying something on some level. Choose another way to communicate.
Consider this, even if the people you’re dealing with fail to develop their listening skills, you learn how to pay attention to what people are really telling you. If you can learn to hear the core story and respond to that, it can change relationships or at least your perspective.
#3 What you practice at home will benefit you in business.
Sometimes we save our best for work, but where does that leave the family?
Practice being a better communicator at home, at family reunions and with those people that you feel are the most difficult in the family. When you “practice what you preach” on and off the clock,
• you add depth to your ability,
• you gain respect from people you didn’t realize were watching you and
• you gain skill — even the most challenging people can’t fold you.
After all, it’s how we deal with tough situations that make us stand out.
Effective communication really is the word. Choose to make it a habit and not just small talk.
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