There are certain things we all can do at home, school and work that help us to understand each other better. These actions lead to an understanding of and respect for each other, which in turn, can help lessen conflicts.
Share. Sharing parts of your life encourages others to share theirs. Keep this in balance at work...co-workers don’t want to know everything, but appropriate sharing can build work relationships. And remember, when parents share little of their lives, the conversation is one-sided and can stall. Volunteer news about some of your ups and downs, successes and failures. It will encourage your children and others to do similarly.
Follow through with promises. Children, especially young children, learn trust by experiencing trustworthy actions by their parent(s). This is also true in adult relationships.
Get on the same level. Standing above someone or looking down at someone says more about power and control than will your words. If you want dialogue – get on the same level.
Listen. Listening is often more important than fixing. Parents, friend, co-workers or supervisors have a tendency to want to problem-solve, give advice or make suggestions rather than listen. Listen first!
Balance work with pleasure. Too many of our conversations with children, family, co-workers are related to work (or school) tasks or plans. Reserve time for talking about anything...music, a TV program, politics – whatever. Enjoy talking with the special people in your life.
Source: The Minnesota Extension Service
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