More useful insights on communication from Bruce Hammer, psychologist and leadership developer

Bruce Hammer, based on years of experience as a psychologist, therapist, leadership and organizational consultant, offers more insights on effective interpersonal communication. Today’s episode is part two of my conversation with Bruce. Don’t miss part one, which is the regularly scheduled episode just before this one. (There’s a bonus episode in between because that covers a time-sensitive topic.) Bruce and I had been talking about how we tend to speak in groups, when we have the floor (or the talking stick). We pick up the conversation there and move on to the importance of recognizing that different perspectives are inevitable and will affect how we view – at least initially – our conversations with others. Bruce also noted the value of setting “rules of engagement”: expectations of how communication and conflict will be addressed. The setting of expectations, especially in family businesses where different spheres of life intersect, can reduce the likelihood that conflict becomes destructive instead of creative.