Read chapter 7, for autographed copy www.hci-global.netNovember 19, 2008
“We are not the Red States and Blue States; we are the UNITED States of America!” President Elect Barak Obama
Once again, the power of positive, clear communication inspired the hearts and minds of millions! If you can think of any single skill that most strategically helped President-Elect Obama achieve his goal as Commander and Chief of the United States of America, effective communication would have to be right up there with #1. The 2008 Presidential Election ignited conversation about the possibility of change around the world. I suggest, as we move from excited shock to the excitement of what it means to participate in change we will better understand the importance and power of Communication – the art and the science!
Isn’t It Time You Bring Communication to the Forefront of Your Life?
Dear PS: Conversations about Communication™
Welcome to the 7th and final 2008 edition of Dear PS! For the last 7 months we have taken step by step the 7 steps of the Communication Staircase empowering our communication awareness and skills. We hope you have benefited from our learned knowledge about applying effective communication tools in your life. In this edition, we are discussing the ever increasing need to be culturally competent in your communication. We now live in a global community. How prepared are you at making room for ‘others’ in your workplace or community? Make sure you read chapter 7 of The Art and Science of Communication: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace. Also we want to share ASC endorsement by Ken Blanchard of Ken Blanchard Companies:
“If you want to improve your relationships at work, you may need to learn how to communicate better. In The Art and Science of Communication by Pamela Perkins, you’ll learn how to express yourself more effectively and how to better understand the people around you. This interesting book is sure to perk up your people skills!”
-Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and The One Minute Entrepreneur™
Alert, we are moving forward globally with Humanity Unites Brilliance (HUB). Visit the HUB website at http://www.elect.hubhub.com/; it’s an opportunity to work together to uplift humanity.
Thanks for a momentous year of faith, love, support, struggle and triumph! See you next year!
God bless us all!
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http://www.dearps.blogspot.com/
Intercultural Communication Tips
Dear PS,
Q: I am a mentor to one of the newer staff members and she happens to be Vietnamese. She always seems
so mild mannered and I keep trying to get her to speak up for herself and be more competitive.
A: This is a very typical scenario in many diverse organizations. Those that are enculturated in U.S.
American organizational cultures, are very receptive to competition and its mandates. Not all
organizational cultures thrive in competition and not everyone is interested in scaling the corporate
ladder. Some are content where they are. This is not to say that this is the circumstance of your
colleague; however, she has been nurtured in a culture that is more cooperative and has more power
distance issues. Many thrive in a different framework of promotion. (See chapter 7 ASC) First, do not
assume everyone wants the same thing. Secondly, after you have given support and gentle nudges, let it
go and she will find her comfort zone.
Q: Now that Barack Obama is President-Elect Obama, often at work I get this “obviously you voted for
Obama look”, solely predicated on race. And yes, I voted for Obama; not solely on the fact that he is half white and half black, he was the only qualified candidate in my opinion.
A: You bring up a very important issue – “your opinion”, and its other people’s opinions that have them
looking at you cock-eyed. Perspective is a very interesting thing. There is a theory called “Standpoint”
that theorizes an individual can only see from where they stand. Pretty common sense unless you
truly attempt to walk in another person’s shoes. Try not to take it personal. Change is a hard thing for
most people. Make room for other realities while honoring your own.
Q: I work with all kinds of people and feel myself to be very open as a white, heterosexual male.
However, I have a new coworker that it is a bit hard for me to develop a relationship with. She is “out”
and always talking about her “family” when we are bringing up small talk as a group. The gay thing
always seems to be in the way. I am a bit surprised by my discomfort.
A: Yes, this is obviously a preoccupation with you. I am not sure how any of us expect not to see the
opposite of ourselves all the time. Six billion people on the planet; six million variations of
everything in the flesh. Spirit is something different. Kind of puts things in perspective doesn’t
it? Move over.
PS. Have a wonderful day. It’s always your choice! And that’s my word!
Pass It On!
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