11-Apr-2010

Risk and Reward

The Humility to Deliver

You’ve been in those moments before – whether it was a teacher calling on you in school, a presentation you had to give, or just trying to communicate with someone who didn’t want to hear. What made your interaction successful or not? What will you do the next time you’re in one of those situations?

First, get into the other person’s shoes. It takes letting go of your own aims for a moment, in short, humbling yourself. Remember how you felt when called on in school? Those nerves flickered on because you felt threatened, or at least vulnerable. Recognize that the other person might be having the same experience. Without knowing it, they may perceive something is at risk. Imagine that feeling and meet them there. Then take a deep breath and be yourself. In this space, no matter what the circumstances, you will be successful. You will be clear with yourself, communicate from the heart and convey compassion.

Recommended: Speak Peace in a World of Conflict: What You Say Next Will Change Your World by Marshall B. Rosenberg