The Art of Not Ruining Your Relationships
Posted on January 22, 2024 by Alex Makarovski, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Surviving Bad Days: Communication Guide
We all experience ups and downs or varying moods every day, making it challenging to communicate effectively, especially when fatigue, frustration, or a bad day clouds our judgment, right? So, how can we approach communication with respect, even when we are not at our best? After all, effective communication is not just about expressing ourselves; it’s about ensuring that our relationships withstand the tests of time and tribulation.
Be Direct and Timely
Have you ever noticed how people often communicate through hints rather than directly expressing themselves, especially when overwhelmed and the conversation is crucial? Why is this not the best practice? The answer is simple: when we use hints to communicate, we often automatically assume that we have conveyed our message and that the person in front of us is well-informed. However, that is not actually true. The key to effective communication lies in being direct, calm, and, perhaps most importantly, timely when expressing your needs. Timeliness is crucial because unaddressed issues can escalate the intensity of our emotions and influence conversations to take an unexpected turn.
Do Not Make Assumptions, Be Curious Instead
Our assumptions are often just projections based on our perceptions, and we cannot truly know what others are thinking. So, why not replace assumptions with curiosity? To make it interesting, consider conducting the following experiment: The next few times you catch yourself making assumptions about what someone else thinks, wants, or intends to do, ask them directly if your assumptions were correct. You will be surprised at how different reality can be from our assumptions! Ask questions, seek understanding, clarify; this will help you build stronger connections.
Stay Aware of Your Communication Goals
Before engaging in any discussion, especially important ones, take a moment to define the outcomes you want to achieve. Decide on the tone, personal characteristics you want to exhibit, the message you want to convey, and the overall purpose of the conversation. Recognize that while you can control your thoughts, words, and actions, you cannot control those of others. Staying aware of how you present yourself and striving to be the best version of yourself are critical elements of effective communication. Having this structure will help you navigate the conversation with awareness and confidence, even when you are not feeling great and are easily distracted.
Conclusion
Effective communication is not just a skill; it’s a mindset. Integrating directness, curiosity, and mindfulness into your communication style, especially during times of low energy or distraction, can cultivate a more effective and respectful interaction in both personal and professional spheres.
