About this Episode
Hi! Welcome to the Creative Force podcast. In this episode, I talk with Brenda Cox Harkins on the topic of “Building Healthy Communication.” Brenda is a speaker, coach, and author of the book Loud is Not a Language. Brenda shares how we can engage in hard conversations with love and compassion. Her practical advice will help you become a better communicator even with those whose opinions might differ from your own.
My Takeaways
Healthy communication really starts with listening, and it starts with listening for the purpose of understanding.
Listening to someone else does not have to equal agreement.
Understanding doesn’t require agreement but understanding will build trust with people that will help there to be future influence with people way on down the road.
Love does not control the way other people think.
In preparing for a conversation, pull up a chair – Courage, Humility, Authenticity, Integrity, and Respect
Conflict is simply someone not seeing things the way I do.
You can still walk through conflict well and not get to a resolution.
Stand with your convictions, ask people about theirs and care, but just because you don’t waver off of your convictions doesn’t mean that the conflict situation was a fail.
The people that influence us the most are the ones we trust.
Walking through conflict well is a way to build trust bridges.
The breakthrough is a sprint; the transformation is a marathon.
Don’t let the roadblocks stop you.
Resources Mentioned
Loud is Not a Language Book found here
Follow Brenda at https://www.instagram.com/brendacoxharkins/
Follow Sharon at https://www.instagram.com/sharonstark/