“Success Depends On The Strength Of Your Relationships”
I was recently listening to a business speaker on the radio, and I heard this quote. I remember thinking, what does it mean to have strength in relationships as it relates to family rather than clients. What creates strong relationships within a family?
Recent studies have confirmed what many of us already realize. Relationships (both personal and business) are the very foundation of success and growth in our lives. Taking the time to invest in people is well worth the effort. - Gustavo Razzetti
How do we invest in people - especially our family? For me, the first thing that comes to mind is communication. Strength in listening and speaking to each other. Creating an environment where we feel safe in sharing our feelings and concerns. The better we are at communicating the stronger our family bond will be. There is nothing better than feeling safe in a relationship. This is a big subject. Today, I will only focus on two aspects of positive communication – Listening and Speaking.
Listening is the first part of communication that strengthens a family. Listening to what is being said and what the meaning of the communication really is. Listening begins with our mouths closed and our ears open. Listening is hearing while avoiding the plan of how you will respond, just listen.
Speaking is the second part of communication which will strengthen the relationships within the family. Learning to positively respond to what is truly heard. When our children speak to us, what do we hear?
“I hate my math teacher!” Kinda makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck as you ready yourself to respond with… “That’s not a nice way to talk about your math teacher!” Or “We don’t use the word hate in this family.” Or “Ya know, I am mad at your math teacher too, he should do a better job of teaching you!”
We want our children to come to us. We want them to feel safe to share. What might be the more positive approach in hearing what your child is saying and perhaps the appropriate response from us could be…
“Sounds like you are struggling in math.” Or “Sounds like you had something happen between you and your math teacher.” Respond with an avenue to keep listening!
We want to hear what is going on with our child rather than shutting them down or directing them down an incorrect path. Pause and listen more.
https://positivepsychology.com/communication-activities-adults-students/
Listening and Speaking is a dance and when we move our motives into the act of building a strong relationship with our family members, the dance can be exciting and fun as well as most rewarding. Take the TIME to positively communicate: Listen and Speak with the goal of a strong and successful relationship.
