I logged onto this site because I am retired now and am trying to do some volunteer work down at the local animal shelter. I have found that how to effectively communicate there is as misunderstood and highly frustrating as it was at "work". We have just recently had a problem with opinions flying fast and furious on the volunteer message board. I thought that I would look into trying to understand "communication" from some other's viewpoints before I launch into trying to help with our communicating fiasco at the shelter. I vow to keep observing. But for this one moment, after reading through many of the posts. "I" am beginning to think that if I really believe that something is important and must be communicated, I will have to drag out the ole "Art of War" to study. At this point in time, I believe that whether my position is backed by scientific study, or years of experience by respected engineers, or coming from my school years best friend... how well I approach the other person sets up the "possibility" of success for making my point heard. I have to make you feel that I value your point, whatever it is. One of the problems we encounter, too, is that we do not Really believe that there are many right answers. We look at the world and see... Male/Female, boss/employee, educated/uneducated. We will label things PC Bullshit sometimes because we do not really believe those other conditions/opinions matter. When someone brushes you off in conversation or does not pause to consider your angle, they DO NOT value what you have come to say.
Human beings (and other mammals for that matter, etc.) are more complicated than even we are willing to acknowledge. We continue to need someone (mostly the Me) to be right... no learning or problem solving takes place in this environment, but when we are perceived to win... that IS the most important thing to humans in their present condition. That can change... but?
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I logged onto this site because I am retired now and am trying to do some volunteer work down at the local animal shelter. I have found that how to effectively communicate there is as misunderstood and highly frustrating as it was at "work". We have just recently had a problem with opinions flying fast and furious on the volunteer message board. I thought that I would look into trying to understand "communication" from some other's viewpoints before I launch into trying to help with our communicating fiasco at the shelter. I vow to keep observing. But for this one moment, after reading through many of the posts. "I" am beginning to think that if I really believe that something is important and must be communicated, I will have to drag out the ole "Art of War" to study. At this point in time, I believe that whether my position is backed by scientific study, or years of experience by respected engineers, or coming from my school years best friend... how well I approach the other person sets up the "possibility" of success for making my point heard. I have to make you feel that I value your point, whatever it is. One of the problems we encounter, too, is that we do not Really believe that there are many right answers. We look at the world and see... Male/Female, boss/employee, educated/uneducated. We will label things PC Bullshit sometimes because we do not really believe those other conditions/opinions matter. When someone brushes you off in conversation or does not pause to consider your angle, they DO NOT value what you have come to say. Human beings (and other mammals for that matter, etc.) are more complicated than even we are willing to acknowledge. We continue to need someone (mostly the Me) to be right... no learning or problem solving takes place in this environment, but when we are perceived to win... that IS the most important thing to humans in their present condition. That can change... but?