“Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”
Genesis 11:7
“It’s like going to a foreign country where they don’t speak English – and you just speak English louder.”
This statement by my co-worker made me chuckle so much that I had to record it on a Post-it and place next to my computer. I’m reminded of how easy it is to not understand or listen to what others are saying and go down an unsuccessful path.
As a pre-teen I so wanted an extension phone all my own. I pleaded with my parents weekly, but they didn’t seem to listen. As a young teacher I repeatedly explained to my students why they needed to do what I wanted, only meeting protests and questions. As a business person, I requested response deadlines that my customers didn’t meet.
Through the years I have learned – and continue to learn – how to communicate more successfully. As an adult my parents told me that were about to give me an extension, but I quit talking about it. As a young teacher I learned to cut down on the negotiating. As I progressed in my career, I asked more questions so that I better understood my customer’s challenges.
Whether communication is verbal, written, or non-verbal, understanding what others need will make all the difference in the response we receive.
Prayer:
Caring Lord, help us to keep the perspective of others in mind, so that we can understand and appreciate their concerns. Amen
Question:
Am I truly listening to others say, so that I can understand their perspectives and needs?
Written by Ellen Fisher
