I am always amazed at how many people lack basic communication skills...and it makes me wonder, why is that? There are various professionals, students and individuals who are not able to communicate what they want, how they feel, what they need, when to meet, what to do next, where to go, how to do something, etc. Communication is a basic function of life-with good communication all things are more likely to go well. With a lack of communication, things are likely to not go well. It's a simple as that-but so many are incapable of effectively communicating.
I'm not sure how fix this problem or why it even exists. Is it because we are Americans and are super busy-or is it a problem in all cultures? Is it because some people lacked an environment growing up where communication was supported and encouraged? Is it because some people are so caught up in themselves and completely unaware of the negative effects that their lacking skills have on other people? Is it because some people are scared of putting themselves out there? Is it because some people lack time management skills as well-so simply "forget" or don't have time to communicate? Who knows-but perhaps next time I am interacting with someone, I will make sure to communicate (express myself as well as listen) effectively so that we can both move foward.
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ahhh, one of my favorite topics! I have some thoughts.... (based on my own life experiences and education...and opinion) Listening is actually the part of communication that many people are lacking. They don't hear themselves, they don't hear the question the other person is asking before they engage their brain, they don't hear or interpret the other person's tone or body language...their brain is already formulating an answer or words. Some people are worried about how they sound or what others think about them so they become paralyzed (doesn't matter what their profession is) And this occurs at a very core level, automatically...something that begins usually at a very young age...so it is difficult to change unless someone is very very aware and wants to change or improve. An idea would be, the next time someone is having a difficult time communicating (they may actually think they are doing fine) become very aware of what is going on for them...look underneath (are they tired, unfocused, anxious, angry, bored, or perhaps are there things going on in their life you have no idea about). And, the better listener you become, the more you can hear them and ask for clarification at times, the more clear communication will be....it's actually about relationship...what do you think about that? Great topic!
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Yes, I definitely agree that a huge (and maybe the biggest) part of communication is listening. I definitely do try to take all those other factors into consideration while I am listenting/communicating with someone, such as are they tired, are they having a bad day, etc. That's easier to do when I am directly talking to someone, but some of my frustration with people and their lack of communication comes when we are having to communicate in a more indirect way (i.e. through e-mail, working together on a project and needing to collaborate). I suppose that the inability to collaborate on something also requires organization and time management skills too! But yes, I agree that even those who think they are great communicators should take a step back, and make sure they are really seeing the whole picture. :) Thanks mom.
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