Resolution

You turn on the radio and listen to the latest incident in your town where one spouse abuses another. You open the paper and see where a rebel group unhappy with the proletariat oppression has overthrown another government. You change to the television and hear how congress cannot come to terms on a bill proposed by the House, so it stagnates in the Senate. But these same conflicts arise in many homes between people who otherwise get along. What is the common theme? Communication or the lack thereof is the root of this story. Communication is the most perplexing issue facing mankind today. So many languages, agendas, concerns and personal issues exist that talking to another person and being heard are uncommon. Several thoughts might assist in improving the ugly scenario. Remember that both people in disagreement can win. While not a commonly discussed option, win-lose situations can be replaced with win-win situations. Likewise talking is easy to do but listening, now that’s an art. While we hear these words flowing at us, our hearts and minds are filled with past experiences, events and feelings tainting the new words meaning. Presumptions start swaying our understanding as we interpret what we hear. Restate those interpretations to clarify the meaning. Give a speaker the chance to validate what you think you heard. We must make that stretch to image ourselves in the other person’s shoes and to feel what they feel. We don’t have to agree but we must understand to tender new avenues of discussion. That new discussion should include actions and events that benefit both parties. The result can be a compromise of the original desires or a new solution grown from the fruits of listening. Is it simple? Of course not or we could have fixed it all millennia ago. Can we improve the process? Certainly, by adding the techniques to the course study in schools, by practicing at home and on the job. By sharing success’s with friends we impact the world with a small beginning. A beginning as subtle as hearing what is said to us. Then taking what is said and working with it rather than reacting to it, making a difference. Our goals should be, participating in making the difference.