"Communication... the human connection... is the key to personal and career success."
-Paul J. Meyer
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
Communication and human connection, on a scale of 1 to 10 how important are they to you?
Marina Khidekel and the Editors of Thrive Global shared that A 80 year Harvard study on happiness (tracking students back in 1938) concluded that people who are more socially connected to family, friends, community, coworkers, are happier, physically healthier, and live longer than people who are less connected. This study validates the importance of strengthening our communication skills and building and maintaining relationships.
Grab your journal, notebook, or pen and paper and take time to answer the following questions:
What are some situations in life and work where you are not able to communicate as meaningfully and authentically as you would like? …take your time, what comes to mind...
What are 3 relationships in your life you wish you could strengthen? friends... family... coworkers... anyone? Be specific...
What are some limiting beliefs you have that hold you back from building quality relationships or communicating effectively? I'm shy... too busy... stressed... Be honest with yourself...
No matter where one finds themselves in their personal life or professionally, there is always room for improvement. Consider these Microsteps to help strengthen communication and build and maintain relationships: * From Your Time to Thrive...
1. During your day make a personal connection with people you might normally tend to pass by and take for granted. See how this helps you feel more alive and reconnected to the moment.
2. Start your next conversation with a question about the other person. Approach them with genuine curiosity... What might you learn..? How might they inspire you..?
3. Share constructive feedback with one coworker. "I care about you, and that's why I want to give you my honest feedback." Compassionate directness helps us build trust and surface issues before they become problems.
4. Ask a trusted friend for their compassionately direct feedback. Sometimes our impact on others doesn't match up with our intentions. Receiving honest feedback may hurt at first, but consider it a valuable opportunity to build self-awareness.
5. Once a day, have a conversation where you mostly listen. Don't underestimate the power of silence. Instead of giving your opinion or changing the subject, invite the other person to go deeper.
6. Next time you're tempted to criticize someone else, pause for one breath to reflect before you speak. In the heat of the moment, you're more likely to deliver your message without compassion or empathy... even if that's unintentional.
7. When giving someone feedback about something that upset you, raise the issue using "I" instead of "you." Accusations create a vicious cycle of blame, but expressing your own feelings opens up a conversation. Using I statements also helps us to feel empowered.
8. Each week schedule some one-on-one time with your partner. By making alone time a priority, you'll create the space for meaningful conversations to be had and special memories to be made.
9. The next time you connect with a colleague, swap "How are you?" for a deeper question. Questions like "What's on your mind?" or "What challenges are you facing now?" can give you the chance to learn about and honor their experiences.
10. Ask someone with a different perspective for feedback on a project you're working on. Looking outside your own experience is a great way to illuminate any blind spots and see your work and its impact from a different angle.
Today’s Challenge: Make a commitment to improve your communication skills as well as build and strengthen relationships.
Add 1 Microstep to your daily schedule. Create good habits!
Share this with a trusted friend or colleague and hold each other accountable.
Leaders: learn and grow together! Share today’s message in your professional groups and with those you supervise. Lead by example!
What are you willing to do?
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia #learnandgrow, #yourchoice, #yourjourney, #ittakescourage, #confidence, #justdoit, #selfawareness, #faceyourfears, #honoryourself, #commitment, #intention, #standup, #speakup, #leadbyexample, #shareyourgifts, #learnthelesson, #creategoodhabits, #powerforward, #bepresent, #live, #thrive, #leadershipdevelopment, #leadershipcoach, #lifecoach, #letsgo, #wellnesswednesday
Reference:
Marina Khidekel and the editors of Thrive Global: Your Time to Thrive: End burnout, increase well-being, and unlock your full potential with the new science of Microsteps. Hachette Books, New York, NY, 2021.
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