I believe I do find myself communicating differently
with others, depending certain facts. One is that I talk and treat all elders
the same, which is with honor and with respect. This was how I was taught and I
instill in my children and nieces and great-nieces and nephews. I communicate
differently with those in, respectfully, powerful roles because if I was in a
lead position that I earned, I would want the same. This leads back to the
‘platinum rule’, which is to treat others how you want to be treated. I even
find myself being more careful with small children than with older children
because their equilibrium’s are more mature and they can handle more than
babies or toddlers. Despite all the ways I may treat another differently, it
all comes down to respect for me, which is one of my pet peeves. I guess this
why I stress it so much and I give it out to all.
Three strategies that I can do to effectively
with people that I may come into contact with that may be different or even the
same:
1. Make
sure that I give all my attention, which conversing with others. This will give
them the notion that they do matter and that I will understand what they are
attempting to tell me.
2. Attempt
to remember them if it is possible because one will never know if and when
y’all paths will cross again and this way you can make the next ‘meeting’
positive because they will see that you did remember their name. You never
know, because you all may have a project that you all may have to work on
together and you want it pleasant, as possible.
3. Never
override another, if they are speaking. It does matter if they are fussing or
speaking pleasantly. Allow that person to get the entire statement out and this
way you are hearing everything they are saying and then you will be able to
answer them effectively.
Like Henri J. M. Nouwen states, “Strangers and people
different from us can stir up fear, discomfort, suspicion and hostility. They
make us lose our sense of security just by being ‘other’” (Beebe, Beebe and
Redmond, 2011, p.86).
Reference
Beebe,
S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal
communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to
Others" (pp. 85–114). Boston, MA: Allyn &
Bacon. Retrieved November 10, 2014, from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201520_04/MS_MECS/EDUC_6165/Week%203/Resources/Resources/embedded/beebe_ch4.pdf
Nakita,
ReplyDeleteI love the quote you posted, I completely agree. People we don’t know tend to make us feel uneasy and we judge him without giving them a fair chance to get to know us; we are afraid of the unknown. We make judgments about people based on our bias first impressions of them out of our fears. If we start using the platinum rule perhaps with the golden rule I believe many of our fears, discomforts, suspicions, and hostilities would subside. Being “other” is what makes this world so unique and a wonderful place to learn, respect, and appreciate our differences.
Hi Nakita,
ReplyDeleteYou have stated some great strategies that will ensure respectful and caring communication with others, irrespective of who they are, the greatest gesture, I believe is to let people know that they matter. You have always implied that you are very caring, great disposition Nakita!
Yes I think that quote is very appropriate because many times it is out of fear and insecurity that people respond harshly and unkindly to others that they do not know anything about. That is so unfair to the other, whilst if we took a moment to seek understanding, it may be better all around. However, people rather act first than wait to see what will happen. This is why we as educator has to go beyond so that we can make that change. Great post!
Hi Nakita, I agree with you that we do tend to communicate differently with diverse groups as well individual people. I also love how you said that despite how you may communicate differently with diverse groups of people that the level of respect remains a constant! I wish more people would do that!
ReplyDeleteThe strategies that you identified are very useful and can be used universally with various groups. The strategy about not interrupting is so important as when people interrupt others while talking gives the message that what they are saying isn't as important as what we have to say. That strategy is a good reminder for everyone!
Thank you for sharing!
Take care,
Stephanie