Avoiding The Emotion-Filled Approach: Action Steps

The Emotion-Filled Approach: Action Steps - Duke Kelly

 

These Action Steps are meant to accompany the article Avoiding The Emotion-Filled Approach: Skipping Defensive Conversations. Feel free to read the article and come back!

 

 Getting your point across effectively (without disrupting class, defending your pride, or creating conflict with no possible positive outcome) is crucial to your overall effectiveness as an educator and communicator, but remember – communication is a two way street.  Take these action steps to help you stay on track while empowering everyone to achieve! The examples in the article were based on students, but this also happens between adults. Maybe more often that we admit!

1. Learn the other side's story. What is at stake for them? How are they feeling? What information do they have to which we may not be privy? Are they right (we might be making excuses for this one...they are right, BUT...)?
2. Examine your feelings and goals. Say, as well as you can, what most effectively aligns with your goals...even if your feelings try to impede the chosen direction. 
3. Problem-solve together (at an appropriate time). Given what you each have learned, what can you do to shift this situation out of a deadlock? Can you brainstorm to find some creative solutions?

I look forward to your comments!