Tag Archives: better conversations

Community

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A little while ago I was asked if I would do a community radio interview with Sally from Volunteer for Knox. I have volunteered in various organizations for many years, so I agreed. Volunteering is more than working at the local op shop or for the CFA. It’s about a sense of contributing to the wider community. There are numerous opportunities to serve as a committee or board member for clubs, associations and charities. My last volunteer position was as Secretary/Public Officer of the Monash Business Awards, a role I did for 8 years.

My focus these days is on stress management and Art Therapy. One piece of information that I came across whilst researching stress and its effects, was that because volunteers “feel good” about what they are doing, they are more likely to produce “happy hormones”, which in turn helps with a stronger immune system.

You can listen to the interview HERE.

The Art of Listening

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The Art of Listening: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence Through Intuition and a Quiet Mind

In the fast-paced world we live in, where information constantly bombards us from all directions, the skill of listening has never been more crucial.

True listening goes beyond simply hearing words; it involves engaging with others on a deeper level, tapping into our intuition, and quietening the mind to foster emotional intelligence.

The Power of Intuition in Listening

Intuition, often regarded as our “gut feeling,” plays a significant role in effective listening. It’s that subtle sense that guides us beyond the surface of words and allows us to connect with the emotions and intentions behind them.

Intuitive listening involves being attuned to non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, which can convey more than words alone.

To harness the power of intuition, we must be present in the moment. This means putting aside distractions, silencing the inner chatter, and truly focusing on the person speaking.

When we open ourselves to intuition, we gain valuable insights into the speaker’s emotions, making it easier to respond empathetically.

Quietening the Mind for Deeper Connection

In a world filled with constant noise, both external and internal, cultivating the skill of quietening the mind is essential for meaningful conversations.

Our minds are often racing with thoughts about our own experiences, judgments, and responses, which can hinder our ability to listen effectively.

Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, can help quiet the mind and create a mental space conducive to active listening.

When we approach a conversation with a calm and open mind, we become more receptive to the speaker’s words and emotions.

This not only enhances our understanding but also fosters a deeper connection with the person sharing their thoughts.

Listening with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and understanding our emotions and the emotions of others in the moment.

When applied to listening, emotional intelligence allows us to navigate conversations with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to connect.

By combining intuition and a quiet mind, we can enhance our emotional intelligence in listening. This means not only hearing the words spoken but also interpreting the emotions underlying them.

When we respond with empathy and understanding, we create a safe space for open communication, fostering stronger relationships and mutual respect.

 

Better Conversations workshopsIn conclusion, the art of listening is a multifaceted skill that requires intuition, a quiet mind, and emotional intelligence.

By embracing these elements, we can build deeper connections with those around us, fostering a culture of understanding and empathy in our fast-paced world.

So, let’s make a conscious effort to not just hear but truly listen, and in doing so, we can contribute to a more compassionate and connected society.

Feel like you want to improve your conversations by becoming a better listener? Workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions are available.

Inspirational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

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Inspirational leadership and Emotional Intelligence are two important concepts that are closely intertwined. Leaders who motivate and guide others towards a shared vision or goal are inspirational, while emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others.

Leaders who possess high emotional intelligence are better equipped to connect with their team members and inspire them to work towards a common purpose. In a recent series of sessions with a national company, I was privileged to work with a leadership group. We looked at how to communicate effectively, build trust and empathy, and create a positive work environment where people feel valued and supported.

Inspirational leaders with high emotional intelligence are also skilled at managing conflict and addressing issues that arise within their team. Learning Emotional Intelligence skills helps leaders at all levels to remain calm and level-headed in difficult situations. Ultimately this will help to de-escalate tensions by modelling emotionally intelligent responses within teams and find solutions that benefit everyone.

Being a Better Listener

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Being a better listener can enhance your emotional intelligence in several ways. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions in the moment, as well as the emotions of others.

Here are a few ways that being a better listener can boost your emotional intelligence:

  • Increased empathy: When you listen attentively to others, you become more attuned to their feelings, needs, and perspectives. This can help you develop greater empathy for others, which is a key component of emotional intelligence.
  • Improved communication: Good listening skills can help you communicate more effectively with others, which can reduce misunderstandings and conflict. This can enhance your emotional intelligence by allowing you to express your own emotions more clearly and understand others’ emotions more accurately.
  • Enhanced self-awareness: Being a good listener can help you become more aware of your own emotional responses and triggers. By observing how others react to different situations, you can gain insight into your own emotional patterns and learn to manage them more effectively.
  • Deeper relationships: Active listening involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, which can help you build deeper connections with others. This can lead to more fulfilling and supportive relationships, which are essential for emotional well-being.

Overall, being a better listener can improve your emotional intelligence by helping you understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

By practicing active listening, you can develop greater empathy, improve communication, enhance self-awareness, and build deeper relationships. If this sounds like something that you need to improve upon, let’s chat.