Impact of Tendencies on Communication Style

Mastering communication style is not just about understanding others, but also about understanding our own tendencies. This self-awareness plays a crucial role in our personal and professional successes, enlightening us on how we can better communicate with others.

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According to ancient yogic philosophy, tendencies are habitual patterns of behavior, thought, or feeling that an individual is naturally inclined toward. These tendencies are called Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva.

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This article explores how these fundamental tendencies are reflected in our communication style and interpersonal interactions.

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Rajas Tendencies:

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• Driven, ambitious, competitive, energetic
• Passionate and enthusiastic, but also prone to anger, frustration, or restlessness
• Desire for action, achievement, and material success
• Dynamic and constantly seeking new experiences

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Tamas Tendencies:

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• Resistant to change, prefer stability and routine
• Prone to laziness, procrastination, and lack of motivation
• May experience confusion, apathy, or low energy
• Resistant to new ideas or challenges

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Sattva Tendencies:

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• Peaceful, calm, content, compassionate
• Clear-minded, focused, and balanced
• Values truth, knowledge, and spiritual growth
• Seeks harmony and positive relationships

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Our communication style is a reflection of our tendencies. It's crucial to recognize that we often exhibit a blend of these tendencies, with one usually being more dominant. This understanding empowers us to work towards a more balanced communication style, enhancing our professional interactions.

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Knowing our tendencies can bring awareness and insightful application of these concepts to interpersonal dynamics. I will elaborate further on how these tendencies can influence communication styles, along with their pros, cons, and some recommendations.

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Rajas Communication Style:

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• Pros: Enthusiastic, persuasive, motivating, dynamic, expressive, take initiative.

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• Cons: Impatient, impulsive, can be overly competitive or domineering, prone to interrupting, may focus on personal gain.

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• Recommendations: Practice active listening and patience. Be mindful of others' perspectives and feelings. Channel passion into collaborative efforts rather than competition. Consider the impact of your words on others.

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Tamas Communication Style:

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• Pros: Can be a good listener, non-judgmental, accepting of different viewpoints.

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• Cons: Hesitant to speak up, can be passive or withdrawn, may lack clarity or focus, avoids conflict at all costs.

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• Recommendations: Practice expressing thoughts and feelings openly. Seek clarity before communicating. Develop assertiveness skills to advocate for needs and opinions. Understand that healthy communication can help resolve issues.

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Sattva Communication Style:

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• Pros: Clear, concise, thoughtful, compassionate, diplomatic, patient listener, promotes understanding, focuses on solutions.

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• Cons: May avoid conflict, overly passive, hesitant to express strong opinions, can be perceived as overly idealistic.

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• Recommendations: Practice assertiveness while maintaining compassion. Express opinions clearly and confidently. Don't shy away from healthy conflict; use it as an opportunity for growth.

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Overall Recommendations for Effective Communication:

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• Self-Awareness:

Recognize your dominant tendencies and their impact on your communication style.

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• Balance:

Strive for a balanced approach. For example, a Sattvic individual might practice more assertiveness, while a Rajasic person could work on active listening.

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• Adaptability:

Tailor your communication style to the situation and the person you're interacting with.

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• Openness:

Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your communication approach as needed.

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• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness in communication by observing your words and their impact on others.

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By understanding your natural tendencies and others, you can navigate conversations more skillfully, promoting better understanding and more harmonious interactions.