This subject has been sitting in my heart for quite some time. Communication is vital literally in everything we do. No type of relationship can survive without it, whether it’s a romantic relationship, platonic, or working all interactions require effective communication.
Why is Effective Communication Important?
Communication starts very early – how you are taught shapes the type of communicator you will become. Unfortunately, many of us inherited poor communication skills handed down from our parents and peers. I for one witnessed at home and school how adults mishandled proper communication by shutting down the opportunity to freely express and/or ask questions that challenged them.
The wonderful thing about learning and unlearning is it’s ongoing and ever-changing. If you are committed to saying phrases like, “That’s just how I am” or “I’ve always been this way,” then you’re committing to never change. That’s scary! Just because you’ve done a certain something for as long as you could remember doesn’t make it right. I remember being a SUPER adult-like in the late twenties, and I was having a conversation about the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” My entire life I was singing and believing in all of my die heart MJ fandom that he was saying, “Eddie, are you okay?”
It’s Never Too Late To Do Better
It NEVER crossed my mind after repeatedly watching the movie Moonwalker that he was in fact saying “ANNIE, are you okay?” Can you imagine my dismay?! I was completely floored. I was fully committed to being wrong for the rest of my natural life believing Michael Jackson was talking to his homeboy Eddie, not little Ms. Annie. Do you see my point?! Just because you’ve done or thought something for a particular amount of time doesn’t automatically make it a correct thought process.
Unlearning poor communication is very important as an adult for several reasons. When we need to convey our thoughts and feelings in the workplace. It’s important the timing and professionalism. When we communicate at work understanding respect must also be established. We cannot speak to our colleagues and counterparts as our friends and loved ones.
Communicate Freely
We must learn to address our issues eloquently and strategically. In professional environments, we must communicate and solve issues without negative emotions. By doing this, we are learning to use more facts than feelings without using curse words, yelling, belittling, or shutting down. Imagine if individuals brought these practices outside of the workplace.
Additionally, I have been personally creating a family dynamic I want to see. I allow my son to respectfully ask questions he doesn’t understand, even if it may involve me explaining my decision to him. I allow him to tell me how he feels, and I listen. In my dating life, I admit this is an area that requires a lot of TLC. I have been expressing myself respectfully, reasonably, and listening. I acknowledge my feelings aren’t the only ones I have to take into consideration. Learning to accept honesty even when we don’t like it or respectfully disagree is a very positive way to effectively communicate.
This Week’s Task
As I close, I have homework for you – turn off your electronics, sit with your loved ones, and TALK. Repeat what they say and watch how they respond to your acknowledgment of listening to them. Be bold and fully honest with a friend family or associates, then see how the differences in your opinions enlighten one another. Let me know how it goes.
That’s the Way ShayMo Sees It!
Become a STRUT Contributor
You can share your story on our platform as a featured contributor with credit or anonymously. Fill out the form today.