Successful communication in team building

Communicating in the work place People are often prone to moralising in discussions/confrontations whether on politics, professional practice, work issues etc “.. to outrage about the behavior, attitudes and values of other people, about which they adopt an absolute moral position, based on little more than their personal belief” This presentation is based on an article by Gareth van Onselen Gareth van Onselen

Moralising can take the following form: That person / position / idea / organization is appalling / shocking / wrong / evil / corrupt / useless / stupid. Their position is racist / sexist / extremist/ religious / prejudiced. Everyone should adopt my position, obviously (intrinsically) correct. Those who don't are fools / incompetent / damned / self-serving / unethical.

Absolutism is based on “principle” and “truth”: Principles are absolute in abstract (eg excellence, tolerance, freedom, etc.) but their manifestation in the real world is not. It is a statement of the truth but the understanding of truth is based on the knowledge you have at that time. Understanding of the truth is based on the knowledge you have of a certain situation

Key elements of good communication: evidence reason. But how it is conveyed makes difference – be careful of prejudice/ being irrational /low self esteem/ego- driven - makes the difference Avoid absolutism – by responding emotionally not rationally!

10 steps to avoid moralising: Avoid absolute statements: principles are absolute in abstract (excellence, tolerance, freedom, etc.) but their manifestation in the real world is not. Have a clear idea of what your principles are: adopting a position requires a set of values and ideals on which that position is based. Use evidence: any discussion is only as strong as the evidence on which it relies. That last point is an important one: a moraliser feels a compulsion to pass public judgement about others; they must express themselves, about others, to an audience. And so they seek out those platforms that allow them to do this. Thus, there often beats at the heart of moralising rhetoric a giant, pulsing ego. And, as will all egoism, you can be sure it is fuelled by low self-esteem. Put another way, their position is about them, not the nature of the world.

10 steps (cont.) Have perspective: be consistent as it will give you credibility but try to understand an opposing point. Compromise if necessary Chose your words wisely: There is a place for passion, as there is for silence Be self-aware: We all have prejudices. Only by understanding what they are, are you properly equipped to manage them.

10 steps (cont.) Avoid attacking the person (personalising your response): reason and logic care nothing for personal animosity, they exist regardless. Don't ascribe your prejudices to others: you might well believe something absolutely. That doesn't mean its right. People often forget the point of debate is progress, to identify good and bad ideas alike. Don't get consumed by mediocrity: apart from self- awareness and perspective, it worth trying to engender excellence. That is, to surround yourself with good ideas, best practice, critical peer review and wisdom. Think before you write: sleep on it first.

Group exercises – handouts