Our personal and business lives are filled with conflict. The typical response to any conflict is to resist and “be right”. The truth is that a “be right” response rarely results in a positive outcome. In actuality, we have the ability to respond in any way we choose.
I’ve attended numerous retreats with Neale Walsch, author of “Conversations with God”, and one of the many mantras I took with me was to “choose the response that love sponsors.” In any interaction, responding with love (positivity) no matter what transforms any situation into at the very least amicable one and usually into a positive one. This is a huge edge that all of us can gain in any interaction. It requires letting go of “being right”. Although seemingly against our nature, mastering it will give you a huge edge in life and in business.
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” ~ Winston Churchill
LET GO OF BEING RIGHT
Most of us live our lives in the constant pursuit of being right… and so are the people we deal with daily. Although you may feel that you’re “right”, give it up. Be gracious. Try to see the other’s point-of-view. Allow space for their view. You will be amazed by how the people you’re dealing with will lighten up and even respect your view.
CREATE SPACE
Most (all) of us engage in conversation with preconceived notions, bringing our history into a conversation. This history limits our conversations. We hear what the other is saying through filters. Try dropping the filters and actually, completely listening from a space of nothing. Give the person you’re communicating with, SPACE to express themselves.
FILL THE SPACE WITH LOVE AND ATTENTION
Stop and listen to what’s important to the person in front of you. Drop your preconceived notions and actually listen to what’s important to them. Bring nothing and fill the space with love and attention. You will be amazed by how they react.
Have a week full of choosing love, everyone!
With love,
Mike
