Improve Communication - Make Use Of All The Senses

By Gloria Hansen

If you are one of the rare few who long to better yourself, then you will know how important it is to understand what others are thinking during a business or social function. Truly listening to what is said takes concentration but it is worth the effort. You will never know if the speaker has a new, unique point of view unless you listen. It is also the time to ask questions to clarify any parts that need to be explained further.

Assuming we know another person's mind is risky--even with co-workers or friends we have known for years. It is important to remember that although we had many of the same experiences. the interpretation of them is different. It is these differences that make friendships interesting. Understanding other viewpoints is essential in business. It is the first step toward agreement and a successful plan of action.

Concentration on the speaker has another benefit. Their body posture, eye contact and hand movements add depth to the meaning of the spoken words. You gain extra information that words alone cannot convey. An extra bonus is the feelings the speaker has about you because you honored their ideas by listening with full attention.

We have all heard about an accident in which each witness gave a different report of what happened. More importantly, each person probably thought that their own view was the only accurate one. No one was deliberately lying! Instead, their judgment was based on personal past experiences and their thoughts or actions before or at the time of the accident.

A classic example of individual differences is the way two friends react to a roller coaster ride at the local amusement park. One gets off the ride joyfully talking about the excitement and thrills while the other is almost a nervous wreck vowing to never try that again. Both had the same ride in the same car, but their reaction to it was very different.

The ability to look at any project, business or personal, from different points of view is an asset. My annoyance and contrariness starts escalating the minute someone tells me that theirs is the only correct way to do something. It may be from their point of view, past experiences and goals. However, there is always other ways to get to the same end result. They may, or may not, be better but it is worth keeping an open mind--and a new way could be the answer for which everyone was searching.

It is not a new idea, but worth repeating nonetheless: "If you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting the same results as you always have." The secret for success is to have an open mind to try out new ideas. Some, possibly many, will fail but all we need is to find the one that really does make a difference.

Gloria Hansen is an author and educator on consumer issues. She has a B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition from Iowa State University. Her website, http://www.selfimprovementtools.com provides resources for all who wish to continue learning and evolving as original, unique individuals.

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