How many 'Languages'- oh I am sorry, 'Viewpoints'- do you speak?

Synopsis

Sometimes, we may find ourselves struggling to communicate effectively during certain conversations, even if we are using a shared language. This is because we often assume that a common language will suffice, without realizing that our individual viewpoints on the topic may play a more significant role.

To address this issue, it is crucial to practice conscious communication exercises that promote open-mindedness, empathy, effective communication, and self-awareness. By doing so, we can engage in more productive and fulfilling conversations with others, regardless of any potential differences in our viewpoints.

"Do we listen or understand while conversing?"

Three Indian friends XYZ walked in a Tennessee bar. And over a bottle of Jack Daniel's were transitioning into phase of 'being open' now-

X: "You know, guys, I've been following the growth of the Indian economy closely. I think we're going to see some major changes in the next decade."

Y: "I couldn't agree more. But there's one issue that's been bothering me. The infrastructure in India is not keeping up with the demand. How can we expect the handful of existing infrastructure companies to handle all the potential growth?"

Z: "I think we need to look beyond just the economy and infrastructure. Indians are also embracing democratic-capitalistic principles and moving away from the communist-socialist mindset. It's transforming state and national politics altogether."

The three friends continued to chat.

Question- are these friends speaking the same language?

Language vs Viewpoint

We often mistake to assume, that when we communicate with other person speaking the same language, we 'understand' them.

In the aforementioned bar conversation, we may share a common language (such as English), and discuss a shared topic (such as India), yet have vastly different viewpoints (such as economics, infra, politics). However, we often fail to recognize this while conversing.

Thus, individuals tend to build & walk their own paths aligned with their individual viewpoints, which can move them in divergent directions; we seldom realize this and hence conversations never reaches any meaningful direction or conclusion.

This is why we may find ourselves engaging in deep, meaningful conversations with someone new for hours, while struggling to move beyond pleasantries with our closest relatives.

Simply recall - How long does your conversation last when you meet someone new with different education background, profession, work experience, interests. We continuously keep looking for common area of interest to hit it off.

The expression of viewpoints on a particular subject through a common language is influenced by factors such as an individual's knowledge, education, experiences, interests, and emotional connection to the topic.

Trick or Catch is

As participants in a conversation, can we:

1. Consciously acknowledge that we may have one, multiple, or no viewpoints of our own.
2. Comprehend, discuss, generate ideas, and broaden our perspective by considering the viewpoints presented by others.
3. Remain adaptable and pivot between our own viewpoints as needed.
4. Develop, investigate, or recognize new viewpoints.

When individual viewpoints diverge, conversations lose their direction and meaning, leading to a dead end.

Where does Conversation lead to?

Our viewpoints act as the seed that grows into the tree of our perspectives. From these perspectives, our paradigms are formed, and they, in turn, dictate our choices. Our choices become the soil that nourishes our experiences, and our experiences, in turn, shape and refine our initial viewpoints. It is an ongoing cycle, and by being mindful of this process, we can continuously evolve and broaden our understanding of the world around us.

Great leaders can engage in productive and insightful discussions on any subject at any time because they prioritize investing time and effort in acquiring new viewpoints leading to new perspectives. They continuously feed the Viewpoint Evolution cycle.

'Conscious Communication' Exercise

While engaged in any conversation like one-on-one or team meeting, practice-

1. Mindfully Listen: Be fully present in the conversation, pay attention to the other person's words, and listen without interruption or judgment.
2. Identify the Viewpoint: Observe and understand the viewpoints expressed by the individuals in the conversation. Determine if & how their perspective is different from others in the group.
3. Note the Response: Take note of how the other persons respond to the viewpoints being expressed. Do they acknowledge and appreciate the difference or challenge it?
4. Reception: Determine if someone is sharing their viewpoint, and if another person is learning or taking it in.
5. Direction: Is the conversation expanding, converging or moving towards a dead end; because the viewpoints are not recognized, respected or understood. Till where the conversation moved in the right direction.
6. Reflect on Viewpoint: Consider the depth & facts presented for different viewpoints. Are you adding to it or simply taking it in. What new elements, perspectives, or paradigms have you brought into your own viewpoint through these conversations and exchanges.
7. Reflect on Listening: Reflect on the conversation and how well everyone listened to each other. Did everyone recognize and understand the different viewpoints being expressed.

Further to experiment, Engage in next conversation with someone you enjoy speaking with and perform this mental exercise again. Your observations will deduce that the two of you share similar viewpoints.

Ultimate Objective?

Acknowledge that when we share a common language, we have the opportunity to collaborate, reflect, and generate ideas by presenting diverse perspectives. These viewpoints are shaped by unique vantage points, influenced by a range of experiences, and driven by a shared desire to learn.

So, what is Language by the way? That my friends is a story for another day.

Conversation. Viewpoints. Diversity.

One effective approach to benefit from these articles is to?keep a personal journal?and reflect on the key?ideas that resonated?with you.

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