July: Interpersonal Communication
- The Cultured Cajun
- Jul 27, 2024
- 5 min read
A reviewal of Sam Horns 'Talking on Eggshells, soft skills for Hards conversations.
Scroll to bottom of the page for 'Words to Lose' as well as the business meeting highlights for July.
Meeting Recap: July & Interpersonal Communication
The Power of Words - A Fun Journey to Positive Communication
Be sure to scroll down to see a copy of 'Words to Use and Words to Lose.'
In our recent meeting, we explored the profound impact of word choice on communication, guided by Sam Horn's insights from "Talking on Eggshells" and "Words to Lose and Words to Use." Here's a brief overview of what we covered:
Key Topics Discussed:
Getting Comfortable with Conflict:
Why Do We Talk on Eggshells? We discussed common reasons people avoid conflict and shared personal experiences.
Reactive vs. Proactive Responses: We defined proactive grace and emphasized the importance of handling conflict with a positive approach.
Example of Getting Comfortable with Conflict:
Imagine a scenario where a team member consistently misses deadlines. Instead of avoiding the issue (talking on eggshells), you address it by saying, "I've noticed that the project deadlines have been challenging to meet recently. Can we discuss what's causing these delays and how we can support you to ensure we stay on track?" This approach shifts the focus from blame to understanding and problem-solving, encouraging open communication and proactive conflict resolution.
Effective Communication Strategies:
PLAN Framework: Introduced the PLAN method (Prepare, Listen, Ask, Navigate) for structuring challenging conversations.
Fighting Phrases vs. Friendly Phrases: Highlighted examples of common negative phrases and their positive alternatives.
Using 'And' Instead of 'But': Demonstrated how 'and' fosters collaboration, whereas 'but' can negate positive feedback.
Avoiding 'Should' Statements: Discussed the negative impact of 'should' and offered more constructive alternatives.
Focus on Solutions, Not Fault: Encouraged shifting from blaming to finding solutions.
Requesting Specific Feedback: Provided tips on how to ask for constructive, actionable feedback.
Example of Using 'And' Instead of 'But':
Imagine you're providing feedback to a colleague. Instead of saying, "You did a great job on the presentation, but you need to work on your data analysis," say, "You did a great job on the presentation, and improving your data analysis will make it even better." This small change fosters a sense of collaboration and continuous improvement, making the feedback feel more supportive and less critical.
Example of Avoiding 'Should' Statements:
Instead of telling someone, "You should finish this by tomorrow," say, "It would be great if you could finish this by tomorrow, as it will help us stay on schedule." This phrasing is less directive and more collaborative, reducing resistance and promoting a more positive interaction.
Example of Focusing on Solutions, Not Fault:
In a meeting where a problem is being discussed, instead of saying, "Who missed the deadline on this project?" try, "What can we do to ensure we meet our deadlines in the future?" This shifts the conversation from assigning blame to finding constructive solutions, fostering a more positive and productive environment.
Example of Requesting Specific Feedback:
Instead of asking, "How did I do?" after a presentation, try, "Can you provide feedback on my presentation skills, particularly on how I engaged the audience and the clarity of my slides?" This request is more focused, making it easier for the feedback giver to provide specific, actionable insights.
Clarifying Your Purpose: Emphasized the importance of knowing your purpose in conversations to stay focused and effective.
Example of Clarifying Your Purpose:
In a Business Meeting: Instead of diving into various topics without a clear direction, you might start by saying, "The purpose of this meeting is to outline our project goals and assign tasks so we can stay focused and ensure we meet our deadlines." This clarity helps keep the conversation on track and ensures that all participants understand the objectives, making the discussion more effective and productive.
In a Relationship: Imagine you want to discuss future plans with your partner. Instead of having a broad, unfocused conversation, you might say, "I want to talk about our plans for the next year so we can align our goals and make sure we're on the same page." This sets a clear purpose for the conversation, helping both partners stay focused and engaged.
Video: WPH's July Local Business Highlights!
Womens Power Hours, July Local Business Highlights!
Golden Nuggets of the Day: LC Women Workout, 6pm, every Monday!
Next Meet Up: June 29 at Millennium Park Downtown Lake Charles, LA! Meeting in front of the children's playground. Each walk is a total of 45 minutes, covering 2 miles! Women only, but kiddos and pups are welcome! Hosted by Faith Comeaux, owner of Kingdom Fit Nation Loaded Teas on Country Club Road in Lake Charles. Message 337-499-3929 for details. (1) Facebook
Special Travel Insight: Discover Oaxaca: Day of the Dead, Beaches, Mountains and More! https://mexicodayofthedead.squadtrip.com/trip/discover-oaxaca-day-of-the-dead-beaches-mountains-and-more-4891?affiliate=Kayla4592
Community Spotlight at Lake Charles…
...Call 'Cake It Bakery'
If you are looking for a truly unique and delicious ways to celebrate a special occasion. This highlight is for the talented Ms. Karlee, the creative baker behind Cake It Bakery. Her eye for detail and passion for creating edible masterpieces will make your event unforgettable. I first discovered Karlee's incredible talent years ago when a tutor brought in her amazing cake balls for a birthday celebration. One of her standout creations was a strawberry-covered mushroom, vanilla-coated chocolate brownie mushroom forest, which provided big smiles for a soldier's birthday. Karlee's desserts are more than just treats; they're heartfelt expressions of love and creativity. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, her cakes and treats will leave a lasting impression. She also offers sugar and gluten-free options. Have an idea? Message Karlee today at 337-396-9351 or visit Cake It Bakery on Facebook to place your order and make your celebration extraordinary! (1) Facebook
...Lake Charles Dentistry
Are you looking for a dentist who truly cares about your comfort and well-being? Look no further than Dr. Ben and his dedicated team. Known for their friendly and caring approach, they make every visit a positive experience. New patients can take advantage of an amazing deal: just $159 for a comprehensive consultation, X-rays, and a thorough cleaning.
For those who experience dental phobia, don't worry—Lake Charles Dentistry offers sedation options to help you feel relaxed and at ease. They understand that good communication starts with how you feel about yourself, and they are here to help you feel confident with your smile. Visit Lake Charles Dentistry's wonderful team to experience exceptional care and a smile you can be proud of! Call 337-602-9121 to schedule.
...SOAR, The Art of Living
Ready to elevate your personal growth and communication skills? Book a one-on-one coaching session with Elizabeth, a seasoned expert dedicated to your success. Elizabeth's impressive credentials include her PharmD, and she is a practicing pharmacist, as well as a certified Buti Yoga Instructor and a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). As an Ontological Coach, she guides individuals toward personal growth and transformation. She is also the founder of SOAR: The Art of Living, where she integrates her diverse skills to help others thrive. At SOAR: The Art of Living, Elizabeth combines Western and Eastern practices to offer a holistic approach to well-being. Her coaching will help you become a better observer of yourself, empowering you to create the life you choose. Take the first step towards personal excellence. Message Elizabeth at 972-785-7762 to book your appointment today!
These insights and community highlights are shared to inspire you to practice positive communication, improving yourself and others around you. Our city is growing so much! Get out there and explore the wonderful people that make up our community. From the local services available in our area to social and economic development groups; be part of the colorful future that we all here in Calcasieu Parish are part of!
Daily practice and reminders take you closer to the new you!
Thank You!
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