How do you promote mindful communication in your workplace?

The emphasis on being 'present' is pivotal. In an age rife with digital distractions, giving undivided attention during communication has become somewhat of a rarity. Not only does it involve physical actions like putting away your phone or closing unnecessary tabs, but it also encompasses a mental dimension: being cognizant of one's emotions, body language, and tone. This multidimensional approach, physical and mental, is integral to ensuring the message is accurately conveyed and received. It goes beyond mere transactional communication and lays the groundwork for meaningful interactions.

Being present is essential, both in the workplace and outside of it. We cannot fully enjoy life's moments if we are not focused with all of our senses. So many times I see people viewing life through the lens of the camera on their phone. They are not even able to enjoy the thing that they are trying so desperately to capture. And chances are, they will rarely if ever look at that video. Put down your phone, close your browser, and be present for the task at hand. Listen to what is being said. See who is speaking and what information they are presenting. Feel the emotions that the event is causing inside of you. Just be present. One of the biggest untruths out there is that multitasking is a time saver. It isn't.

Mindfulness has so many varied layers to it, but being present is key! Also, being intentional and deliberate about your actions, responses, and control of environmental factors.

I recognize the importance of mindful communication in our workplace. By encouraging presence, active listening, and empathy, we create an environment where thoughts, feelings, and needs are respected and understood. This fosters stronger relationships, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being for our team.

We must recognize the distinction between simply hearing what is being spoken versus actually listening to what is being said. Employ empathy and compassion to recognize what you can do to improve communication between parties.

In a meeting, when someone else is speaking, how often do we sit there, formulating our rebuttal in our head, not even really considering what the other person was saying? There is nothing constructive about that thought process. Even the most farfetched argument or idea will have some kernels of validity to them. By actively listening, we allow ourselves to be open enough to find those kernels and reach common ground. Deciding what someone else is saying before they are finished is invalidating and negates that person's voice. Listen without judgement, wait until they are finished speaking, and come to the discussion with positive intentions. Never interrupt or shut people down. Ask questions. You may be surprised at what you learn.

There are 2 types of people in the world, those that are listening to be of service (Active Listening) and those that are waiting to answer you from the beginning (Passive Listener). Active Listening is one of the most underrated skills in the professional world, yet it's paramount for effective leadership and collaboration. Active listening fosters genuine connections, builds trust, and often unearths underlying concerns or fresh insights. Whether it's a doctor understanding a patient's symptoms, an attorney capturing the nuances of a client's case, or a tech leader navigating a complex project, the depth of understanding achieved through active listening can make the difference between average and outstanding outcomes.

This is a critical factor in making other feel heard, putting yourself in an open headspace, and even relating your ideas in a more relatable manner. By "Reflecting Back", try to really digest their message and intent and rewording it or looking at it from a different perspective to add meaningfully to the conversation and bring the participants closer to harmony.

Take the world of journalism as an example: active listening is essential. Over time, I've learned that this skill isn't just about hearing words; it's about diving deep into the narratives and understanding the unspoken. That's how you find the real and often best stories. Active listening isn't a swift process; it's a patient one. It's taking the time to sit with someone, allowing them to unravel their thoughts and stories at their own pace. It's often about hearing what's not said, sensing the emotions between the lines, and picking up on the nuances that hold the real essence of a story. And although these moments of genuine listening take time, the trust that is cultivated, and the rapport that is built are al worth it.

Mindful active listening in the workplace goes beyond just hearing words; it's about truly understanding the deeper messages and emotions behind what's being said. It involves being fully present in the moment, suspending judgment, and demonstrating genuine curiosity about others' perspectives. By practicing this level of attentive listening, we can not only grasp the explicit content of conversations but also pick up on nuances, unspoken concerns, and nonverbal cues. Moreover, mindful active listening has the potential to transform workplace dynamics, creating a culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best, which can significantly enhance overall team performance and organizational success.

In many situations, we fall into comfortable speaking patterns, in the Navy people would discuss their rates and Petty Officers, weaving in jargon naturally, which immediately makes non-Navy participants focus more on interpreting than listening. This is a natural occurrence in many work places, especially in interviews, so take the extra time to consider the participants at hand and clarify ambiguities instead of boxing out people with differing experiences.

In a world brimming with information, a well-articulated message stands out. I've witnessed boardrooms where million-dollar decisions hinge on clear presentations. Similarly, a doctor's precise communication can affect a patient's health choices. When entrepreneurs pitch to investors or when real estate agents detail properties to potential buyers, clarity can sway decisions. It's not just about the choice of words but the intent behind them. Authentic and respectful communication fosters a safe environment where ideas thrive and misunderstandings are minimized. Clear dialogue can transform not just workplace dynamics but also the broader trajectory of professional relationships and outcomes.

Concise speaking in the workplace is a potent skill that not only saves time but also elevates the quality of communication. By distilling complex ideas into their essence and avoiding unnecessary verbosity, concise speakers empower their colleagues to absorb and act upon vital information more efficiently. This form of communication is a precious resource that fosters clarity, precision, and active engagement. It respects the value of others' time and attention, contributing to a workplace culture where diverse voices are heard, and decision-making is optimized. Beyond streamlining day-to-day operations, the art of concise speaking can catalyze innovation, as it encourages the exchange of impactful ideas without drowning them in detail.

Empathy is a super power. When you are empathetic, you are putting yourself in someone else's shoes, seeing things from their point of view. Showing empathy is not trying to fix anything, it is not feeling sorry for someone. It is making someone feel seen, heard and understood. It is one of the most powerful traits that we can develop. When you show empathy towards others, you show them that they matter, that their feelings and lived experiences are valid, and that they have a voice.

Empathy is the bridge connecting individual experiences. Doctors understand patient fears to enhance care. Legal professionals resonate deeper by grasping client challenges. In corporations, leaders foster high morale with empathy, while entrepreneurs deeply connect with their audience's needs. Real estate agents, by truly understanding a family's desires, find the perfect home. In every field, valuing another's perspective isn't just a skill - it's a cornerstone of effective communication. It goes beyond just "walking in another's shoes," empathy values their perspective, fostering trust and collaboration.

Empathy involves understanding and acknowledging others' perspectives, feelings, and needs without judgment or criticism. However, it doesn't mean you must internalize their emotions or feel exactly as they do. It's essential to maintain emotional boundaries to protect your mental well-being.

The power of empathy in the workplace cannot be overstated. Empathetic leaders and team members not only understand the feelings and perspectives of others but also actively seek to connect on an emotional level. This not only promotes a harmonious and inclusive work environment but also enhances problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities. Empathy nurtures a culture where individuals feel valued and supported, leading to higher morale, creativity, and overall productivity. Beyond its immediate impact, empathy is a catalyst for long-term success, as it strengthens team cohesion, employee retention, and the organization's reputation for ethical and compassionate leadership.

An important thing to point out, empathy doesn't necessarily mean agreement. You can act in ways that make someone feel heard and understood while still having your own, separate (sometimes opposite) opinion.

Communication has always been important, but the nuances now, in virtual and hybrid work settings, are more important to consider. Timing, information sharing consistency among team members, and culturally aware words and actions matter.

In diverse fields, from real estate to tech, adaptability is the key to impactful communication. A CEO might alter their tone when addressing shareholders versus employees. A real estate agent must be attuned to different client personalities, altering their approach for first-time buyers versus seasoned investors. A healthcare practitioner might communicate differently with a frightened patient than with a fellow professional. Adapting doesn't mean losing authenticity; rather, it's a powerful way of ensuring your message resonates, regardless of the audience or setting.

Without flexibility and feedback loops, a well intentioned message in a meeting can easily be misinterpreted as a lecture. A sometimes tricky pothole to avoid, considering how you have felt in meetings in the past and the small details that drew you in to other speakers can help you in your journey to become a more well rounded speaker. Be like water my friend.

Those who can swiftly pivot, learn, and thrive amidst change are poised for success. Adaptability fosters innovation by encouraging the exploration of new ideas and approaches. It enables organizations to remain agile and competitive, embracing emerging trends and technologies. Moreover, adaptable employees not only weather challenges but often emerge stronger from them, embodying a growth mindset that fuels continuous improvement. In essence, adaptability is not just a valuable skill; it's a mindset that empowers individuals and organizations to navigate complexity and uncertainty with grace, ultimately shaping a brighter and more sustainable future.

Every Manager/Supervisor I've ever had has mentioned their "Open door policy" explicitly, yet some of them had honest and open feedback and some had none. The way each individual expresses while receiving feedback is a key differentiator between the 2 types of open door boss. We all make mistakes and that's okay, self awareness is the first step towards greater emotional intelligence and improved social interactions like these. If you keep getting feedback only from crickets, take that as feedback too, but not personally and not defensively. It takes considerable skill to be an amazing communicator, some come by it naturally, others like me, have to study and work to even be a decent one.

Mindful communication is also about practicing non-violent communication: being conscious about how you describe situations when you are communicating with others (without judgment or evaluation, making sure you focus on concrete facts), identifying and expressing emotions you experience in a given situation, recognizing the underlying human needs which drive your feelings and behaviors, and making clear, actionable requests to address those needs are the four important components of NVC. In corporate environment, I have helped teams build trust and collaborate more effectively by following these principles. By making daily self-reflections about how to be more empathetic in our communication, we can certainly improve our relationships.

When I began my clinical career, a wise manager told me "Communication breakdowns lead to patient safety issues". But you could replace "patient safety" with virtually any negative workplace outcome. If you go into any interaction with the goal that you behave how you would want someone else to behave in that situation, you will rarely go too far astray.