In many of my friendships and working relationships, I have been exeperiencing miscommunication more often than usual. Reflecting on this, I'm trying to make sure that I am as clear as possible on my side of the conversation...listening with open ears and acting on my promises.
Edwin H. Friedman wrote the following and I am finding it particularly valuable to my life right now.
"The Failure of Syntax"
"The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard. People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choices words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech."
I guess we could all work more on saying what we mean and doing what we say. Actions are the backbone to words.
Peace,
Jess
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