In this week’s video (CLICK HERE), I talked about the importance of SLOWING DOWN in our communication – when we listen…when we respond with our thoughts…when we ask a question.

SLOW DOWN  when we listen.

It is all too easy for anyone of us at any time to…

• jump to conclusions when someone is speaking;
• become defensive or reactionary;
• assume we know what the other person is going to say;
• interrupt with our own ideas;
• simply be more interested in what we want to say than what they are saying.
• So – SLOW DOWN!

SLOW DOWN  when we respond.

We must take time to respond so that we are sure to…

• listen well to what they want us to hear – not what we want to hear for our defense;
• learn well – whatever we need to understand to come to an “a – hah” moment.
• love well with our response to create or deepen connection not lessen it!
• So – SLOW DOWN!

SLOW DOWN  when we ask a question.

It is most helpful when asking a question that we…

• do so in an effort to clarify what they are saying;
• show that we care about THEM and what THEY are attempting to communicate;
• draw them out by saying things like:  “Tell me more about…”
• show they matter by allowing them to “keep the mic” while we ask to learn more;
• become silent after asking a question to give whatever time is needed to answer;
• work to create a feeling of safety when asking questions and in all communication;
• So SLOW DOWN!

What is a takeaway for you in one of these areas? Write it in the comment section below!

Mark Oelze, Author/Creator of PLEDGEtalk