Refresh Your Relationships

Deb Dobbs, is a graduate of the University of Michigan Horace Rackham Graduate School. She holds a Green Belt Certification from Purdue University, and has over 30 years of professional experience in process leadership, change management and adult education. She offers Coaching Services for personal and professional development to support joyful, purposeful living. Reach her at: Dobbscommunication.com or at: ddobbs@gmail.com

Have you ever experienced an extreme thirst? In the heat of summer, you might think of a time when a cold beverage felt so satisfying. Or after engaging in heavy physical work, you might recall how a quenching drink of water brought a sense of restoration to your body and mind. Likewise, did you know relationships can suffer from thirst? A cure is to replicate a sense of refreshing to become consistent in your thinking, actions and speech.

Toxic communicating styles create barriers between people. Whether at work or at home, people naturally avoid toxic interactions. Toxic interaction styles can be expressed in gossiping, bullying, overcompensating, anger, passive-aggressive tendencies or silence. Anyone in or around the environment can suffer. Today you can change your environment. You can create refreshing ways to interact.

Start by sharing your intention to establish an environment of healthy interpersonal communication practices with those concerned. A good way to begin your own refreshing process is to monitor your body language. Think about the cultural norms that shape your environment. Think about the usual ways of interacting and the predictable outcomes. If they seem harsh, change them. Stop assuming people know what you “really” mean. Expand your use of language to improve how you express yourself. Stop negative statements and behaviors. Nurture your relationships. Recognize that your process of thinking, your words and your actions are impactful. Offer refreshing communication and notice how things change.