1/29/07

To be honest , I wish I could say I enjoyed the class on Monday but I left so frustrated. There would be a moment in the class where I would feel as if I am getting it; however, that was shot down quickly. The most important thing I learned is how frustrating communication is. Every time I talk to someone I want to use questions, and that is not the most effective way. Brother Adams said, "We get so caught up in What is... is important to us not about what is important to them." I guess in order to have the mind set of empathic listening, we need to rephrase content accurately and never probe. Probing is only effective when trust is high and emotion is low. Also, he talked about setting a space between stimulus and response. Too often we react to situations instead of using that space to be proactive in our thinking. When we are proactive in our thoughts, we can communicate with others more effectively instead of just efficiently. I have noticed in my life, when I am proactive I am happier and that attitude affects other in a positive way.