Have you ever unfriended or unfollowed someone on social media because they said something offensive about politics or religion? How about avoiding a person simply because you didn’t want to have a conversation with them?
Nowadays, even small talk about the weather (climate change) or health (covid, vaccines, diet) can spark intense debate. We take comfort behind a three-inch screen. In fact, our gadgets either make us too fearless or overly complacent. Take today’s Philippine setting. Whether the topic is about the presidential elections or someone trying their best to up their views on social media, we would always find bullies, trolls, and war freaks who are always on the offensive.
Blame it on smartphone use, the pandemic, or politics. But wherever fingers are pointed, the issue would always boil down to the lack of a real conversation – the delicate imbalance between listening and talking.
What are good conversations?
You know how this feels. It’s that feeling where you feel understood. It’s that sense that you just made a connection with the person. You walk away not just engaged but inspired. If you’re lucky to have had many conversations like these in the past, you most likely did these:
YOU WERE PRESENT – You didn’t multitask. You were in the moment. You weren’t thinking about the milk tea you’ve been craving for a week or the issue you need to resolve on your next call. The speaker had your full attention and vice versa.
YOU WERE OPEN – You didn’t get into the conversation to argue and you weren’t listening so that you could get back with a witty retort. You were there to understand and genuinely learn.
WHEN YOU ASKED, YOUR QUESTIONS DIDN’T REQUIRE JUST A YES OR NO – A yes or no question can be confrontational. But recall that conversation when you began with a who, what, when, where, how, and why. Many interviewers and journalists come to the table with the mindset that everyone is an expert on something. In effect, you make them think and think some more. You also get a well-thought answer.
YOU WENT WITH THE FLOW – When you know that the conversation won’t be friendly, (say, at work, or when handling an irate client), you come to the table with a set of questions. Of course, you brace yourself to spring into action when the opportunity arrives. But since you went with the flow, and didn’t want to be abrupt, you were open enough to let the discussion flow. As a result, you got a better outcome.
YOU LISTENED – Admit it, we’d rather talk than listen because paying attention to someone requires more energy. Further, talking allows us to be the center of attention because we’re in control. We must listen. But take it a step further. Instead of listening to reply, listen with the intent to understand. The world’s top interviewers swear by this.
Your ability to hold a good conversation is a great indicator of future success. Whatever field you choose, whether you decide to be an entrepreneur, a customer care service expert, a licensed professional, or a sales specialist, solid listening skills will always set you apart from the rest.
Take your career to the next level. Become an exceptional conversationalist!
APPLY NOW *This should go as CTA BUTTON*
Join the NEARSOL family!
NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning numerous awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.
The Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition is a global accreditation that tells stakeholders what employees think of the company culture. In brief, it says a lot about the happiness and productivity index in NEARSOL. Certification means people are happy working here and that leadership trust is palpable and real.
Come and discover why our employees think we’re a great place to work!
Visit NEARSOL.US and apply through NIA, NEARSOL’s recruitment chatbot and personalized platform for the application process.
Visit our LinkedIn to learn more about our company and our global footprint. /PN
