The Communication Revolution: From Inner Dialogue to Workplace Harmony
Ever caught yourself zoning out during a conversation? Shouting at the car in front of you?
Welcome to choices in communication. But here's the kicker: mastering communication isn't just about how we talk to others—it's an inside job.
The Inner Monologue Makeover
First things first, let's tackle that voice in your head. You know, the one that's sometimes your worst critic? Here's your three-step plan:
Catch the culprit: Notice when you're being unfairly harsh on yourself.
Flip the script: Instead of "I should know this," try "I'm learning something new."
Be your own hype person: Talk to yourself like you would to your best friend. Give yourself some credit!
From Inner Peace to Outer Grace
Once you've got your inner dialogue in check, watch how it transforms your outer communication:
Patience becomes your superpower: Waiting longer than you’d like for something? It's your chance to practice zen-like calm. Remember, it is a practice.
Empathy takes center stage: Understanding yourself better helps you understand others too. Have empathy for yourself and others. Picture yourself in others’ shoes.
Active listening becomes second nature: When you're not busy berating yourself, you've got more bandwidth to really hear others.
The Art of True Listening
Here's a radical idea: what if we actually listened to people? Not just waiting for our turn to talk, but really tuning in. Try this:
Make eye contact (yes, even in Zoom meetings)
Get curious about others' lives (it's not all about you)
Practice empathic listening (it's next level active listening)
Workplace Communication: The Culture Cornerstone
Your workplace communication style? It's basically the DNA of your company culture. Here's how to level up:
Embrace your company's communication philosophy (Crucial Conversations, Radical Candor, etc.)
Be the change you want to see (communicate with respect with everyone—yes, everyone)
Remember: clear is kind (but be nice about it)
Tools for Your Communication Glow-Up
Ready to take your communication skills from meh to marvelous? Try these:
Take a DiSC or Enneagram assessment (it's like getting a user manual for yourself and others)
Explore virtual courses or coaching (because learning never stops)
Use apps like Orai or Speako (yes, there's an app for that)
Remember, improving your communication is a lifelong journey. But don't worry, you're not aiming for perfection. Even the Adam Grants of the world have their off days.
So, ready to revolutionize your communication game? Remember, it all starts with being a little kinder to yourself and a lot more curious about others. Who knew self-awareness could be so powerful?
What's one communication habit you're going to change today?
