Silence contributes to more harm than benefits in any interaction involving human beings. The book Crucial Accountability explains how it once happened in the US that a copilot had noticed ice accumulating on the plane wings. The plane later encountered a crash on a bridge between Virginia and Washington, leading to the death of 74 passengers on board. The co-pilot was concerned and reported to the management so that they could rectify the incident. However, nothing was implemented, and they never talked about it later with fears that the pilot would find him as forceful (Patterson et al., 2013). It is also crucial for anybody in their work field to apply the concepts of crucial conversations whenever they notice any misstep. An example for such can be provided that a nurse should inform a physician of a misstep. On noticing that a physician failed to sanitize after attending a patient with a disease like meningitis and head to another one without cleaning the hands, they should open up and inform them. The summary portrays the concepts and the theory defining crucial conversations and how they can be applied in real life.
The concepts that determine crucial conversations include the people having high stakes, expressing different opinions, and having intense emotions in their thoughts. When one is at home or the workplace, and they happen to be stuck, they need to indulge in crucial conversations to come out of the predicament. After learning to communicate and express inner fears in such a moment, one tends to accomplish the desired results. The theory of crucial communication provides space for debate and expression of opinions. It provides one with a chance to change something that another person might be doing wrong.
People who are not on good terms with others due to differing opinions need to give room for dialogue. It provides a platform of shared meaning where individuals can share thoughts, ideas, theories, and feelings openly. The presence of information pooled together helps in making the best decision that will obtain results. Any form un openness results in low motivation and dumbs decision making. No one should judge or contempt the other person’s ideas before discussing them to deduce their viability. Dialogue tends to take time, but it provides high solutions (Patterson et al., 2013). It is dangerous to hold things within so that they cannot be withheld any longer. Conversations need to be handled well by applying etiquette and respect in correcting someone to avoid annoying them by making them feel unsafe. Failure to engage in crucial conversations affects our life aspects, including relationships, careers, communities, and personal health.
Some people tend to follow the route of violence and silence other than dialogue. It is advisable to encourage them to engage in dialogue and explain how their experiences, emotions, and thoughts connect to our actions. We need to allow others to share their feeling and thoughts, for they may have different perceptions and the manner they view situations. We may be familiar with what is in our minds but not with what another person may have done. Once other people opt for the silence that may lead to violence, exploring the root cause will help alleviate the harsh feelings and curb the defensive response. Speaking out the mind needs one to express their views to maintain safety to be room for dialogue. It requires one to have the confidence to express what is right humbly and humorously. One needs to learn the skill of speaking without offending and persuading without sounding abrasive.
Leaders and managers who have adopted the spirit of crucial communications have had great success in service. Leaders have mastered the art and developed a consistent habit of conversing clearly with their juniors. Such leaders clearly understand the concept and manage to talk and walk the talk. They apply it in real life by indulging their skills in selecting the words and tone they use in conversation (Patterson et al., 2013). Leadership requires a motive and the readiness to listen to others to feel that their desires are considered. Developing such a conducive interaction makes every person feel free to express themselves if they have an issue that needs to be sorted. Crucial conversations can be applied in real life, even while dealing with family members, siblings, or a marriage partner. A not appealing behavior can be stopped from developing by sending an alarm to someone to opt for change.
In conclusion, whether in a relationship, a place of work, or a leadership position, it is always advisable to communicate and make every instruction or direction clear to avoid possible confusion. People work better and with confidence when they are sure that their colleagues, seniors, and juniors will not judge or confront them whenever they express their opinions. The dialogue skills can work and solve any problem that one may imagine. Although some situations seem more challenging than others sharing ideas can contribute to good results.
Reference
Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Crucial accountability. Leadership Excellence, 30(8), 5-6. Web.