As a coach, one of the main skills that I work with my clients on is communication.
How to be clear + kind.
How to articulate feelings + expectations.
How to deliver feedback that supports understanding + growth.
What may surprise most of my clients is that finding comfort + ease in communication is the main thing that I work on daily.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I was a fairly shitty communicator.
I kept a lot to myself. I assumed that those closest to me knew what I was thinking. I didn't want to burden others with what was on my mind. And then I would be disappointed when my expectations were not met or isolated when I felt misunderstood.
Over the past decade, I have had to relearn how to communicate. It was not something that was modeled when I grew up. Instead, I have had to do the hard work of getting uncomfortable in my skin and uncertain in my voice and choose to try on speaking what I am feeling from a place of truth mixed with curiosity, compassion and generosity.
Each conversation gently affirms that I am heading in the right direction. Even in the moments where the conversation being had is tough. And a lot of the conversations I have are tough. Because being human can be messy and tough yet always worth it.
Even after a decade dedicated to communication...do I always get it right? Hell no. Yet I am committed to working on it everyday as a gift to myself and those around me. What helps? Caring + honest people around me willing to dig in and support me.
What are you relearning right now? Who is your support system?
Coaching
Thanks for your interest in leadership + personal development coaching. My schedule opens up for new clients this September. Interested in learning more? Schedule a complimentary discovery call today.
Comments