Think
Style.

Failure to Communicate

"What We Have Here is a Failure to Communicate."
(From an old movie: "Cool Hand Luke")

Communication is the cause of, and remedy for, conflict.
 
Communication not only includes words, but also the intonation, pitch, loudness, and the delivery of your words. In addition, body language can be more impactful than the words themselves. If I stand with my body turned away and my eyes diverted from the person with whom I am speaking, my words may not have a ring of credibility to them.

In our fast paced world, we may abbreviate our communication efforts and speak in incomplete or even muffled sentences, which often lead to miscommunications. We may think that the other person has understood the words, and our intent behind them, but often that is not the case. When I walk away from someone without seeking clarification, I run the risk of completely misunderstanding what he or she has said. It is safer to check it out.

We all have different communication styles. We must learn to know when to adjust to another person's style, which might be quite different than ours. In my impatience with my husband's communication style, which is more thoughtful than mine, I occasionally finish his sentences and then tell him that he is wrong!?!

In the workplace, communication continues to be a challenge to a peaceful environment. Hurt feelings give way to anger which gives way to resentment, all because of a misunderstanding or miscommunication. Unfortunately, many people find it too difficult and threatening to approach the person with whom there is a misunderstanding to talk about it. If we are braver and more willing to take a chance, we will find that we can resolve many of our disputes and feel better about ourselves and others.

When you are feeling bad because you believe that you were right and someone else is wrong, ask yourself, "Would I rather be right or would I rather be happy?"

Affirmation for the Week:
 
“For this week, I will check out my communication style, choose my words carefully, and hold my hand in friendship more frequently.”
 
Have a peaceful week!
 
Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2004 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
However, if you find this information helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to print this page and put it on your bulletin board, or download an Adobe PDF file with a printable version. Thank you.
 
 
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