5 Communication Tips for Surviving Life in Close Quarters
It’s been well over a month since our family of four began working and schooling under one roof. Our house went from a place of reprieve and joy to an all-out stress fest. It was hard. It was really hard. I can only imagine it has been the same for you.
But over time things started to change. I dug deep into my coaching toolkit and we started to find the light. A big bright shining light called communication.
The result? A more cohesive unit of connected and engaged humans living together during a global pandemic while sharing limited space under one roof. Feels like a win to me!
Curious about what this could look like for you?
Here are 5 essential tips for cultivating communication in your home (relevant now and post quarantine):
Ask your partner/boss/kids about their expectations. What is their vision? What is yours? Discuss roles and responsibilities. Set up a schedule for both work and home.
Get curious! Do not assume. Start your questions with what or how. “How could today be better?” “What’s missing?” “What is most important about ____?”
Listen. Whole-body, whole-person listening. Everyone put down their devices. Look into each other’s eyes. Mirror back “What I am hearing is…” It allows each person an opportunity to articulate their point of view and their needs. Be open with your body language or sit side by side.
Start conversations with “I feel” or “I notice” versus “You never” or “You always” which can translate as accusatory.
Consider your intention around a conversation. Often our anger is about something bigger than the people in front of you. Maybe it’s around your freedom, the future, or fear about your health. Try to write down your feelings, send yourself a voicemail, shout it out in the shower. Not everything requires an audience. Maybe you just need to vent and it doesn’t need to fall on any ears. Get creative!
It takes time to foster trust and this is not an overnight process. As Brene Brown says in Rising Strong, “Choose courage over comfort.”
In other words, it’s not easy, but you will be psyched with the outcome.
Xo Ali
Currently Reading: Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein
Current Mantra: “Done is better than perfect” (Specifically around my children’s homeschooling efforts!)
Currently Eating: My daughter’s homemade pesto (So grateful!)
