SELF-AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION

A variety of behaviours and other factors that can interfere with effective communication: Interruptions Judgments Angry intonation Too much/too little physical distance Environmental conditions (noise, time constraints, physical obstacles) Threats Prejudice Gossip Accusations Lies Rumours Condescension Sarcasm Inappropriate use of technology Bias Cognitive/functional limitations Cultural dynamics and differences Individual characteristics and personality types

Reflect upon a difficult conversation, argument, or confrontation that you’ve experienced. In your notes, jot down the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY of the encounter.

Once you’ve established these details, analyse HOW the encounter occurred, using the list of factors and behaviours that can interfere with effective communication.

Carefully consider the following statement: Undesirable behaviour is often generated by anxiety (or other similar feelings) that result from unmet needs.

Now, with this in mind, imagine the same encounter, but change the story you have about the person or situation. For instance, the person you were dealing with was feeling afraid, embarrassed, threatened, intimidated, in need of help, etc. Which of their needs was not being met in this situation? Write down what you would do differently to handle this encounter now that you have an understanding of effective communication? Include some strategies from the “Facing the Dragons: Some Key Skills” handout.

THE BIG IDEA What you tell yourself about the person (or the situation) will often determine how you feel If you are imagining that the person in front of you who is yelling is angry, rude, or just a jerk, overall, then you are likely to feel defensive and respond in kind Fear makes people behave badly; managing fear (yours and that of others) is of the utmost priority in difficult situations

Using MBTI Self-Awareness to Communicate Effectively We all perceive and experience things differently It’s important to be able to consider what YOU might be contributing to difficulties, or WHY the other person might be behaving or communicating a certain way Awareness of type differences can increase your effectiveness by strategically speaking the “type language” of the receiver