Transforming conversations through trust, positive intentions and active listening

I’ve found myself in this situation countless times: a single discussion with someone triggers a storm of emotions.

Why does this happen?

Let’s dive deep and uncover the layers behind these emotional triggers and understand how we can transform our interactions for the better.

Building True Connection: The Foundation of Trust

Have you ever paused to consider whether you’ve truly connected with the person you’re speaking to?

Often, the root of communication breakdowns is a lack of trust. In the world of business and especially marketing, we know the mantra: people need to know you, like you and trust you before any meaningful collaboration can occur. This principle holds just as true in our personal interactions, be it with colleagues, managers, or friends.

Ask yourself: Can your manager or colleagues trust you? Can they rely on you? Have you consistently demonstrated through your actions that you are trustworthy? If the answer is no, don’t worry. Building trust isn’t an overnight task; it’s a journey of consistent, authentic actions.

Emotions and Intentions: The Invisible Influencers

What emotions and intentions do you bring into your conversations? Are you driven by the desire to impose your opinion, to make others listen to you, to control peole and situations, to complain? Or do you approach conversations with the intention to help, to foster mutual success, to express gratitude and appreciation for the dialogue and the person?

The energy you bring into a conversation is palpable. People might not be able to pinpoint it, but they feel it. To change this, cultivate a habit of entering conversations with positive, constructive emotions and intentions. This transformation requires practice and a conscious effort to build new thought patterns and emotional responses.

I recall a time in my career when I had this nagging impression that my manager didn’t like me. This feeling wasn’t based on any concrete facts, but it was a belief that I allowed to take root in my mind. As a result, my emotions were a mess whenever I had to interact with him. My actions became inconsistent and unreliable, and I constantly felt like I was saying the wrong things.

So, what did I do? The solution was surprisingly simple: I changed my thought. I began telling myself that he appreciated me as a person, valued my perspective, and believed in my competence. This single shift in my mindset transformed our entire relationship. Our communication improved, openness flourished and we built a remarkable level of trust over time.

It all began with changing one thought, which triggered a cascade of different emotions and intentions, ultimately reshaping our dynamic.

Active Listening: The Art of Truly Hearing

Are you truly listening to the other person’s words and emotions? Often, we’re so focused on what we want to say next and we miss out on what’s being communicated to us. We might be trapped in our fears and emotions, overlooking the thoughts and feelings of the other person.

So how do we get out of it? Reflect on your own experiences: How often have you been guilty of this? I know I have.

It can be challenging, especially when you’re focused on achieving a task. High performers, in particular, might struggle with the patience required to focus on emotions, viewing it as a distraction from getting things done. Leaders, too, often feel like a bottleneck for negative emotions – complaints, frustrations, delays, conflicts.

But here’s the crucial question: How much time do you allocate to recharge, to address your own needs, to cultivate your own happiness? Why do you need this? Because otherwise all those negative emotions coming towards you will simply build up until it is too late or too much.

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which you can build positive, effective interactions with others.

In conclusion, in my opinion the path to transforming your conversations and relationships lies in building trust, entering interactions with positive intentions and actively listening. By dedicating time to your own well-being and continuously striving for emotional awareness, you pave the way for more meaningful and effective connections with others.

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity for growth—for you and the person you’re engaging with. Approach each conversation with the intention to connect, understand, and elevate. This is how we create a world where everyone can thrive.

If you are interested in learning more and practicing these concepts, click below to join the 1-month free training Influencer Leadership Program to build true connections and communicate with impact. 

https://www.mydesigntomorrow.com/influencer-leadership-program

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