When I think of good communication skills I instantly think about my best friend from college. We can talk every day and still talk for hours. She is one of the first people I call if I'm excited, sad, mad, frustrated, worried, stressed, or have a dilemma. We can have very calm and civil discussions about politics even though I am far far left and vote democrat and she votes republican. We often have different styles of parenting, but still ask each other for advice. Here are a few of the characteristics that make her a competent and enjoyable communicator:
- Trustworthy - I know what I say will not go beyond her.
- Non-Judgmental - I can tell her personal feelings or reactions to things and she does not think less of me as a person
- Respectful
- Does not Interrupt
- Listens
- She reads situational contexts really well. This means that when I call she is able to read the situation and can tell if I need a cheerleader, a listener, a sympathizer, an adviser, a counselor, an advocate, or someone to empathize or commiserate with.
- She values my thoughts and opinions
- She is not only interested in my life, but invested in it as well. For example, she remembers when I have an important appointment and she calls to ask me how it went.
- She asks follow-up questions
No comments:
Post a Comment