I don't know what it is these days, but people have the tendency to beat around the bush before getting to a point. Maybe it's that they're unsure if what's on their mind is right or wrong. Maybe they don't want to offend somebody. Or maybe it's simply that the person doesn't want to come across as brash or cocky.
This is an issue I've encountered a lot, both in the past and in the present. It's a huge time waste, and it can be detrimental to productivity. For example, when a group is asked to provide feedback on something that is quietly not well received, the room usually goes dead silent for a little while until somebody finally speaks up offering some vague compliment. The compliment, of course, serves as a means to remain respectful to the presenter, but the presenter usually takes it and runs with it. After all, they only heard "good things" about it!
In reality, nobody liked the idea.
This is something everybody struggles with, including myself. I have gotten better over time, but I think we could all do with being more honestly and respectfully straightforward with one another. No more beating around the bush, no more hiding "negative" thoughts. When done respectfully, criticism does not have to be negative. Instead, it can show empathy, care, and a willingness to help one another grow.
We all know how to be straightforward; that's not the problem for us. What we should practice more is exercising respect within that straightforwardness. To that end, I think building empathy is key. Understanding what it's like to be in another person's shoes helps us to take the right actions in keeping a respectful attitude toward them. This way, we can be honest and frank in our discussions while still showing care for them.
Well, I thought I had more to say about this, but this was ironically a pretty straightforward topic! Go and exercise these principles in your life. Let me know how it goes as it's an area I definitely need to improve on, too.
This is an issue I've encountered a lot, both in the past and in the present. It's a huge time waste, and it can be detrimental to productivity. For example, when a group is asked to provide feedback on something that is quietly not well received, the room usually goes dead silent for a little while until somebody finally speaks up offering some vague compliment. The compliment, of course, serves as a means to remain respectful to the presenter, but the presenter usually takes it and runs with it. After all, they only heard "good things" about it!
In reality, nobody liked the idea.
This is something everybody struggles with, including myself. I have gotten better over time, but I think we could all do with being more honestly and respectfully straightforward with one another. No more beating around the bush, no more hiding "negative" thoughts. When done respectfully, criticism does not have to be negative. Instead, it can show empathy, care, and a willingness to help one another grow.
We all know how to be straightforward; that's not the problem for us. What we should practice more is exercising respect within that straightforwardness. To that end, I think building empathy is key. Understanding what it's like to be in another person's shoes helps us to take the right actions in keeping a respectful attitude toward them. This way, we can be honest and frank in our discussions while still showing care for them.
Well, I thought I had more to say about this, but this was ironically a pretty straightforward topic! Go and exercise these principles in your life. Let me know how it goes as it's an area I definitely need to improve on, too.
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