I find myself communicating differently all time even with people of the same culture. I work with people of the same culture and I communicate more professionally than they do every day. I try to make my families feel comfortable when I am talking to them. They try to make me come down to their level, but I remain professional at all times. I have parents who come in fussing and cussing and I never loose my composure. I do not fuss and cuss back, I always escort the parent to my office and allow them to finish venting. Once they finish I always ask them, do you feel better now that you have gotten all of that out of your system. They laugh and say yes. They always tell me you don't let nobody change you and I said no I do not. I have a very good relationship with all of parents and we are able to communicate well.
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.
Three strategies that I feel that can help me communicate more effectively are:
- Give them the impression that I am enthusiastic about talking to them. People want to feel that you would rather be talking to them than anyone else. This will make people feel better about themselves.
- Listen attentively to everything they say. I try not to focus on what I am going to say, but what the person is saying who I am talking to. This shows them that I am interested in what they have to say.
- Give them the right amount of eye contact. Eye contact communicates to the other person that you are not only interested in them and what they have to say, but that you are also trustworthy. People will communicate better with you if they know that they can trust you.
Erica,
ReplyDeleteIt is very commendable that you are able to keep your cool in such a circumstance. I have mastered it as well; however, my ears literally get hot. I can feel it NO JOKE. Sometimes I even physically shake a bit, but I keep my words, words, tone and body language calm even though my blood is boiling. Out of curiosity do you explain to the parents that you cannot allow that kind of talk within your building?
I have learned that parents really respond well when I do active listening. In addition they really appreciate follow up. I always ensure after a meeting I ask parents the next day if anything else came to mind after our meeting. I do that because I know sometimes after a meeting I remember other things. I guess I am practicing the golden rule maybe a little of the platinum too.