Communication is Key
Time and time again, we’ve all heard how important communication is, but that doesn’t make it any easier. There are many barriers that pose as roadblocks to healthy communication and these barriers can have a dramatic impact on how happy we are in our personal and professional lives.
- Emotional Barriers- Our personal biases, self-image, and emotional state can make it harder to understand another person’s point of view. This can often lead to conflict or feelings of defensiveness.
- Physical Barriers- Due to Covid-19 and an increased use of technology, we are less likely to communicate face to face. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language are some of the nonverbal ways that we use to express ourselves. When these are lost, it can sometimes leave us feeling misunderstood and isolated.
While some of these barriers may be beyond our control, there are a few habits we can form that will help us communicate effectively.
- Listen to understand, not to respond- Carefully listen to what the other person is saying, assess your biases & your emotions, then take your time to respond thoughtfully.
- Engage with others often- Even though communicating with one another is different right now, the more we do it, the better at it we will be. Turn on your cameras during work meetings, video chat with 1-2 people you are close with each week and use the extra time you have gained from the pandemic to spend quality time with those nearest to you.
Even during a pandemic, it is possible to feel connected with one another. It just might take little extra practice!
