Mindful communication is rooted on three foundations: Being fully present, remaining unbiased, non judgmental and being compassionate while corresponding with others. It has been observed that despite having eloquence and good communication skills people block their minds and remain biased in their interactions due to various factors which affect their interpersonal relations. Such people make alliances at workplace but lack true connections owing to mental blocks and shackles. At workplace employees at times vent out their frustrations on each other leading to toxic workplace relations and eventually affecting productivity and good interpersonal relations. Therefore it is imperative to engage in mindful communication to help each other understand, express themselves and feel understood.
How to become a Mindful Communicator:
Empathetic listening : Most of the times in interacting with colleagues or co-workers, instead of listening carefully to the other person, we either tend to jump to the conclusion or give unsolicited advice or hardly pay attention to what they are saying or most frequently open our pandora box of problems to show solidarity. However listening carefully, paying attention through body language and showing empathy goes a long way in building rapport.
Mindful Speaking: Mindful communication is not just about listening but also about mindful speaking. In a moment of rage employees hurl venom at each other without paying heed to the consequences of the outrage and its long term impact on the other person. It has been observed both in oral and written communication. Not being mindful in written communication or in one on one interaction leads to toxicity at workplace. There is a popular maxim that people don’t leave organization they leave bad bosses and toxic work place culture. Therefore in order to build healthy personal or professional life and build harmony, mindfulness is prerequisite.
Eliminating Biases and suspending judgments: Biases both positive and negative in nature block mindfulness. Quite often we think ahead and condition our mind in a peculiar way being oblivious to the other person’s circumstances. Manipulating, judging colleagues on the basis of their appearance, way of speaking, demeanor and gossiping also impedes open and honest communication. Often employees don’t deliver their best because of the silent maneuvering and harassment which they undergo and pile up inside eventually leading to their poor mental health and quitting. Hence mindfulness is at the core of a good work place culture and retaining sincere and committed employees.
Compassion:
Meaningful and genuine connections devoid of ulterior purpose and vested interests are determined by mindful communication. Giving a sneak peak in to the other person’s point of view, cultivating empathy and showing compassion contribute significantly in developing meaningful and genuine connections. Empathy comes with the thought that what would I do/ think if I were in that person’s position.
Thus staying in present, keen listening, mindful speaking, adapting to new perspective and above all showing empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of being mindful. Let’s take a small step in this direction and see the difference!!
#softskills#mindfulcommunication
Dr. Indu Prabha Pathak
