“Shared meaning does not mean that people agree but that they understand each other’s perspectives well enough to accept them.
There is only one way of achieving this, and that’s through real conversation.”
David Gurteen
Yes, and understanding each other’s perspectives is the only way to solve problems and resolve conflicts constructively.
In his book This Is Marketing, Seth Godin writes:
“1. People don’t need a wallet. They might want one, but that’s different.
2. People might decide that they want a white leather wallet, but they don’t want it because it’s white or because it’s leather; they want it because of how it will make them feel. That’s what they’re buying: a feeling, not a wallet. Identify that feeling before you spend time making a wallet.”
Something to think about today!
The Queen met Paddington Bear to mark her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Did you know that the Queen keeps a marmalade sandwich in her handbag for emergencies? Well, that’s what she told Paddington!
Not long after having arrived in Germany, I was invited to a dinner party.
I was by far the youngest in the room. I felt inexperienced. And I felt that I didn’t have anything to say that could be of interest to anyone.
When I returned home, I knew that I had to do something about my conversation skills.
I started reading books about communication, having meaningful small talk and big talk and making friends. You’ll see them all on the shelves in my office.
And what I learnt was amazing. If I wanted to be good at talking to people, I just needed to ask lots of questions.
Why did I not think of that before?
People love talking about themselves.
Of course, we don’t want to sound as if we’re interrogating the other person. So we need to ask questions we think s/he will enjoy answering. We need to show real interest and to listen carefully. And we shouldn’t forget to share some of our own life experiences, too.
Give it a try. I’m sure you’ll do fine.
And tell me if it works for you.
We all know that the heart is a symbol of love.
But did you know there are many phrases and expressions that include the word heart?
Here are five of them.
5. lose heart
If you lose heart, you become discouraged.
Of course, there are many more phrases and expressions that use the word heart. Do you have a favourite?
