Avoid Negative Communication

Negative conversation can get in the way of building relationships, networking and negotiating. It can also cause you to lose credibility and repel people. We all know people that we try to avoid because of their poor communication skills. We do not want to be one of those people. I heard a story recently of a conversation where a gentleman continued to interrupt and talk over the other person during a candid conversation on how to improve conditions in his company. Is there anything more annoying than someone interrupting you while you're talking? Not only is it rude but in this scenario it nearly undermined the entire purpose of the conversation. In his bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey states that Habit Number Five is Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. For some of us, this may be the most difficult habit to master. There is a video of Mr. Covey teaching this principle by means of The Indian Talking Stick. He demonstrates that the best way to learn and practice emphatic listening is to give your full attention to the person holding the Talking Stick or whatever object you have available to you. The key here is that you must remain quiet until they are finished. When they feel understood, they will pass the object to you. Then, it is your turn to state your case and so on until everyone feels heard and understood. Some other things to avoid is constant complaining, being disagreeable and talking down to people. Eliminating negative habits in your communication is not an easy task and it requires practice. It means having to be aware of what you are saying and how you are saying it at all times. The results are worth the effort. Think and listen before you speak. Have a great week! Pierce