Communicate Like You're In The V.P. Debate...
Friday October 3, 2008
I don't like to get into politics here--I believe we're all stressed enough without getting into debates! Politics aside, though, I have to say that one thing about the Vice Presidential Debate that I really enjoyed was the way the candidates communicated with one another. For the most part, they disagreed without attacking or being condescending, smiled at one another, and were able to assert their opinions without getting aggressive with one another. They made it easier to focus on the issues and the content of what they were saying without getting emotionally affected by how they were saying it. If only all political exchanges could be like that. If only all exchanges in 'the real world' could be like that!
Sadly, in offices, schools and even homes across the country (indeed, across the world), many people struggle with knowing how to talk to one another in a way that neither tramples others or allows themselves to be trampled--they struggle with assertive communication. It's a difficult dance.
How do you communicate with others? How do you handle difficult people? How can you distinguish between someone who is being genuinely aggressive with you, and someone who merely has difficulty relating smoothly with others? And how can you tell when someone is being too negative to keep in your life? If these sound like some difficult questions, fear not! I have resources for you.
Communication Resources from Elizabeth Scott:
- What's Your Conflict Resolution Style? Test Yourself!
- The Ten Worst Ways to Handle Conflict
- How To Improve Your Relationships With Healthy Communication
- Read More On Dealing With Difficult People
- How To Handle a Difficult Co-Worker
- How To Create Supportive Relationships
- Letting Go of Relationships that Stress You
Since the Iraq War morphed into a protracted conflict, the political discussions during my family get-togethers have become tense, and sometimes even adversarial. It’s to the point now where we’ve all basically agreed not to talk about politics or issues, which is sad because national issues are of great importance and should be discussed. Sometimes I wonder if the loud gasbags on cable talk shows are influencing this behavior more than the actual events themselves. Everyone wants to get the last word and show their policy grasp and superiority over the others, modeling this kind of bare-knuckles discussion after the O’Reillys and Matthews and Hannitys of the world.
It’s potentially damaging to family relationships. We never used to be like this.