Communicating During Our New Normal-Part 3

As more businesses open and we move one step closer to living in our new normal it becomes important that we focus on our communication skills.  With people reuniting after being apart, it’s only natural that they want to share their stories and their fears.

As you may recall “Communicating During Our New Normal-Part 2” focused on the 5 Listening Traps that keep people from really hearing what the other person has to say.  These common traps include tuning out before the story is told; rehearsing our response; detachment from the message or the person; judging the message or messenger; and controlling the conversation. 
While all of us are guilty of one or more of these listening traps there are some personality types who can be counted on to exhibit their “tune-you-out” behavior regularly.

Who are these people and why does this happen?

According to Dr. Taylor Hartman, creator of the Color Code Personality Theory there are certain components of our behavior such as how we listen that are hardwired in our brain and a natural part of who we are.  Although some of the components of how we act and react cannot be totally changed, we can become better aware the effects our actions have on others.  By becoming aware of these results, we can action by making slight adjustments that will enable us to be better all-around communicators.
 
Remember anyone can learn to be a good listener. Listening is an active skill that takes patience and attention.

Listening means turning off the noise inside ourselves and focusing on others.  For some it means ignoring the urge to advise and not trying to “fix” the problem or change the other person.

Listening means no defenses. True listening requires putting aside our emotional responses and the need to defend ourselves.

And last but never least, active listening is unselfish.  In the words of author John Nichols, “Listening isn’t a need we have; it’s a gift we give.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed our “Communicating During Our New Normal” series.  If you want to learn more about how you’re “hardwired”, visit our website to take your FREE Color Code Personality Assessment.

As businesses begin the daunting task of bringing people back to work together we’ll feature a few short stories from the Color Code News in our Communicating During Our New Normal as well as keeping you updated on HR/Management news in Straight HR Talk.

Until then, please stay safe, be kind, and most importantly, be patient.

If you’d like to take your FREE Color Code Personality Assessment and learn more about Color Code and the Brilliant Leader Program.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications