Weekly Business Insights from Top Ten Business Magazines | Week 308 | Leading & Managing Section | 3

Extractive summaries and key takeaways from the articles curated from TOP TEN BUSINESS MAGAZINES to promote informed business decision-making | Since September 2017 | Week 308 | August 4 – 10, 2023

7 Tips to Improve Just About Any Relationship Conversation

By Jessica Stillman | Inc Magazine | August 7, 2023

Listen to the Extractive Summary of the Article

Marriage and entrepreneurship feel like very different spheres of life, and they are. But according to celebrity therapist and best-selling author Esther Perel, there’s at least one commonality between them. Relationships are relationships, and many of the same dynamics and tools that apply to dealing with your romantic partner apply just as well to dealing with your co-founder. 

This particular article was penned by CEO coach Marc Lesser about insights from his book Finding Clarity. In it, Lesser outlines a handful of strategies for clearer, more impactful conversations.  Much of the turmoil in our relationships can be traced back to gaps in our understanding.  Communicating more effectively often comes down to identifying those gaps and addressing them directly. The following 7 strategies can help:

1. Drop the story. “Notice, before having important conversations, if you’re already upset, worried, or mad about something, and be curious about that. Do you already think you know the answer?” Lesser writes. “Before talking, recognize what you think, expect, or assume the other person will say. Identify your own interpretation of events. Then when the talking starts, drop your story.”
2. Be curious, not furious. You won’t find any new solutions if you can’t hear any new information. Genuine curiosity is the key to uncovering new perspectives. “Try to avoid reactivity. If someone says something that makes you react in the moment, breathe and put that aside to listen, and really hear, what they have to say,” he urges. 
3. Watch your body language. “We convey this openness with our tone and body language as much as with our words. Does our voice and manner convey doubt, anxiety, or defensiveness–or caring, respect, and the willingness to have a genuine conversation?” he asks. 
4. Listen for understanding. Good intentions won’t get you anywhere, but good listening skills will. “Explore really listening without preconceived ideas. Experiment with listening not only for content but for feelings, for lack of alignment, as well as for possibilities and ways to solve problems together,” says Lesser. 
5. Mind the gaps. “As you talk, clarify the gap between your experience of the relationship and your vision or aspiration for what a healthy relationship looks like and feels like. This alone is helpful, since it defines the problem,” he suggests. 
6. Cultivate a clear vision. At home, your vision for a relationship might center around  trust and connection. At work, it might be all about productivity or competence. Whatever type of relationship you’re dealing with, be clear about your ideals and goals. 
7. Don’t wait. According to Lesser, when it comes to relationship chats there is no time like the present: “If you know who you need to talk to, don’t wait. If you aren’t sure whether someone has an issue, don’t wait. If all seems ‘fine,’ confirm that.”

3 key takeaways from the article

1. Marriage and entrepreneurship feel like very different spheres of life, and they are. But according to celebrity therapist and best-selling author Esther Perel, there’s at least one commonality between them. Relationships are relationships, and many of the same dynamics and tools that apply to dealing with your romantic partner apply just as well to dealing with your co-founder. 
2. Much of the turmoil in our relationships can be traced back to gaps in our understanding.  Communicating more effectively often comes down to identifying those gaps and addressing them directly.
3. The following 7 strategies can help:  drop the story; be curious, not furious; watch your body language; listen for understanding; mind the gaps; cultivate a clear vision; and don’t wait.

Full Article

(Copyright)

Topics:  Entrepreneurship, Communication