Interpersonal Communications
Interpersonal Communication Skills - B Is For...
We are launching a series about communication that focuses on family interaction, rather than on workplace dynamics...
Of course, many tips and guidelines that help you develop family relationships can be carried over to the workplace environment. Learning to get along with the most important people in your life can help you get along with others, most of whom don’t play a major role. We have so many communication ideas and so much relationship advice that once again we are starting an alphabetical series. However, we don’t promise to handle the letters in strict alphabetical order, nor even to do all of them.
B is for believe. It is so, so important for your loved ones to know that you believe in them. Don’t hide your confidence in them, even when you disagree with some or all of their actions. When the confidence is gone, when your belief in them and their belief in you is gone the relationship is in real danger. You have to believe that sooner or later they will figure out the right path, perhaps with an appropriate push. Don’t tell them anything that you know isn’t true. They may not know what’s right and wrong but they’ll know when you are lying. They’ll no longer believe you even when you’re telling the truth. And your lies (or even stretching of the truth) makes it easier for them to tell lies. Believe me. Even better, believe them (where possible.)
Cher, the oldest female artist to reach #1 on Billboard Hot 100. She believes.
B is for beside. Stay beside your family when they need you. This doesn’t mean only physically. When your spirit is miles away, or even in another room, your physical presence is of questionable value. Be by their side for the special moments, not only things like the school play but also those unpredictable moments when they feel like talking. The Blackberry can wait.
And now for some of the things you want to avoid.
Stop your bickering.
B is for bicker. Don’t bicker. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t fight over little things. Save your energy for the important battles. If you fight about everything how are the kids supposed to know what are the important issues? Bickering can be contagious. What’s the point of getting people to do your bidding on the meaningless stuff only to lose them on the big issues?
B is for bite. There is something about kids that make them want to bite the hand that feeds them. Avoid the temptation, don’t bite them back. And when they are testing your patience don’t bite at the bait. Or retort with a biting remark. Go out for a bite to eat.