Looking Both Ways

The other day while driving in my neighborhood I came to a stop sign. As I waited for the car ahead of me to move, I watched a mother at the corner instruct her young son on the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street. It struck me at what sound advice this is. Not only is it good for pedestrians, of course, but it also rings true for all of us who try to communicate each day. Ideally, pedestrians should not run out into any street for the obvious reason they put their lives at risk by possibly stepping in the path of a moving vehicle. Interestingly, when it comes to communication, I am struck at how often people, including myself at times, blast away without first stopping to consider their actions with the same deliberation we expect pedestrians to use.

With this in mind, there is a mental check-list of points to remember if we are going to actually enhance an interaction with another person or a public rather than do it harm. They include: Do we have a good understanding of what has been said to us? Are we responding in a respectful and open manner? Are we sharing our own thoughts in an honest and straightforward manner? Are we doing all we can to engage the person to whom we are speaking? Are we sticking to the topic at-hand? Adhering to these fundamental guidelines can help us maintain an open channel of communication with others even if we disagree with their perspectives. Good communication does not require agreement but it does require engagement. It speaks to positive interaction and maintaining opportunities for further engagement.

Crossing the street without first looking both ways can lead to consequences of the worst kind. Ineffective communication can have negative consequences as well. This is why both actions should be approached with respect and deliberation by children and adults. And here's the real kicker, just as none of us not matter our age or level of maturity should ever not look both ways before crossing a street, the same holds true for communicating. For all of us, they need to remain on our permanent to-do lists.