Sometimes we run into what we think is someone else’s communication problem, only to find out otherwise later. Such was the case with a fellow who was worried that his wife was losing her hearing. So he asked his doctor how he should approach the subject with her.
The doctor said, “The first thing to find out is whether she really has a problem, and if she does, how serious it is. When you get home tonight, try a little experiment. Stand about 15 feet from her, and call her name in a normal tone of voice. If she doesn’t seem to hear you, come within 10 feet, then 5 feet, and so on until she responds to you.”
That evening, the husband found his wife in the living room, sitting on the couch reading, with her back to him. In a conversational tone he said, “Hi, I’m home.” Just as he feared, she didn’t turn around or show any sign of hearing him. He approached to 10 feet, spoke, and then to 5 feet. Still no response.
Finally, he walked to the back of the couch and said loudly, “I’m home!”
She turned around, irritated, and said, “Hi, yourself, as I’ve said three times. As I’ve also been saying, you need to get your hearing checked.”
Yes, it was the husband who couldn’t hear well. But like many people with communication problems, he never once considered the possibility that he was the one who needed help.
When it comes to communicating, always assume you’re part of the problem. Then commit to being part of the solution.
All the Success!
PM in the AM
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