“You can go from
draining interactions to creating an engaging workplace or environment and
moving it forward into successful and dynamic new possibilities” – Dr. Ann
Van Eron
Conversation and communication have taken a hit by new
technologies that are literally in our faces on a daily basis. Young students
are learning on tablets and slim laptops rather than by pencil. The art of
cursive, spoken, and written communication is starting to become more antiquated
and shorted into sound bites. Communication
is a key driver for effective collaboration and strong teams. With the world changing
so quickly, we need to step back and converse differently and have more
effective communication strategies.
As leaders, we know that some conversations are tough,
intense, and downright intimidating. We are faced with conversing about
uncomfortable matters, issues that may blow up, and ideas that may lead to mass
dissent. These talks need some planning and our ability to be open, have
self-awareness, and the willingness to agree on solutions. The new book Oasis Conversations – Leading with an Open
Mindset to Maximize Potential by Dr. Ann Van Eron addresses these finer points
of leading effective conversations that have impact.
The way that we communicate has changed over the years. I
remember being a young manager and the attitude was “do it or else”. Now we
connect more authentically and seek to convince people to jump on board with an
idea. Managers strive to be more influential and collaborative on everyday
tasks and large projects alike. We open ourselves up more and try to lead with
open integrity. Strong communicators are resilient and don’t react to the judgment
of others. Moreover, effective conversationalists remain curious about people,
take the time to converse, listen more effectively, and keep dialog moving along.
Are your conversations fruitful?
Why an “oasis” conversation? An oasis is obviously a gleaming
lush area in a remote place. Ann is referencing “something that provides refuge,
relief, or pleasant contrast” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I would love all of
my conversations to be free of conflict or misunderstandings. An “oasis”
conversation brings to mind an experience of calm, collaboration, and
peacefulness. Dr. Van Eron offers a 5 step process for creating the perfect
environment in which to bring collaboration, come to agreement, find solutions,
and empower those involved. By inserting these principles into your next
conversation at work or home, you will have more effective and productive conversations
that leave everyone feeling empowered and involved.
O –
OBSERVATION: Slow down at look at the data and don’t jump to conclusions.
Reduce your defensiveness and try to blur your own background and influences to
taint the conversation.
A – AWARENESS:
Be mindful of your assumptions and manage your emotions and personal views.
Remain open to interaction by suspending any judgment.
S – SHIFT:
Step back from reacting and shift to being open to other possibilities. This
may be very challenging to do. You may need to count to 10 or bite your lip.
Start practicing positive intent and keep your calm. At all costs, keep your
strategies to yourself until you can converse.
I –
Importance: Examine what is important to all those involved and create a true “oasis”
of understanding and agreement. Don’t just jump to conclusions and try to rely
on these 4 skills – mirroring one another, empathy, ask empowering questions,
and notice the type of interaction you are having (telling, selling, and
getting).
S – Solution: If
you guide your conversations including the elements above you will successfully
identify options, strategies, and agree on solutions.
In every conversation it is critical that we remain open with
our minds and our bodies in all of our conversations. Body language is so
powerful and if you aren’t opening your mind, the disconnect will be reflected
in your body. The key stances that you
need to take during every interaction should include:
Curious
Compassionate
Courageous
Appreciative
Optimistic
Welcoming
Written and spoken communication is the key to success in
any interaction. Look how often spouses have disagreements over a simple lack
of words and because we can’t read one another’s mind. Notice in your next
meeting how easy it is for information to be misunderstood or underrepresented
due to lacking communication of details or key points. Negotiations and
relationships break down daily because of blaming and conversations that go off
tract. Oasis Conversations offers a
clear guide to ensuring that your next conversation is solid, opening, lacking
conflict, and brings joint agreement on solutions. Who doesn’t want that?
Dr. Van Eron adds additional meat to this process
including case studies, personal experiences, the impact of brain connections
on each element and questions for leaders to seek personal answers to. These
elements help roll the Oasis process into a simple and effective tool that can be
utilized in any situation. Some leaders keep a card with the word “oasis”
written on it as they hold critical conversations to keep their thoughts on
track. Dr. Van Eron has been using this tool for years with a variety of organizations
and it works. Who doesn’t need another tool in the leadership toolbox?
Oasis of Conversations
does not disappoint and will support you in your leadership in the
following ways:
- Understand why people have different definitions of respect
- Enable you to better deal with resistance and tough situations
- Develop and encourage an open mindset
- Assess your own “inner climate” and how it fits in with the different personal and professional environments in which you live
- How to create positive and real productive conversations
- How to better withhold judgment of others and their opinions
- Enable you to create a personal path to follow when preparing for and handling delicate conversations
- Better understand the motives of others and place yourself in their shoes
Oasis Conversations
is an effective guide to use in all aspects of your life. Moreover, Dr. Van
Eron’s book is applicable to people of all ages and across the diversity of the
paths that we all walk every day. Are you ready to create your own “oasis”
during your next conversation?
