The first Board member to share “Lessons Learned” is TOPS President Rick Danforth, who is a Century Award winner.
Rick Danforth’s Lesson
COVID Communications: Are you listening?
How often have you used the following phrases: “I didn’t know that.” “You’re not listening.” “That’s not what I meant.”
With so many forms of communication, why are these phrases used? Is it possible that everything is getting lost in the noise? Alternatively, if you don’t like the message, do you work in your own interpretations?
Proper communication is very vital. You don’t want to make a good situation bad or make a bad situation worse. We get information in many ways: print, TV, phone, emails, internet, letters, Facebook and others. One would think that with all these options, we would be well-informed. However, we continue to miss the mark. Misinformation takes place, people are misunderstood and misconceptions become problems…and some people never seem receive the message.
Are you listening?
During a time of crisis, it’s very important for everyone to get the same message. Everyone is on edge. You must get straight to the point and not let the medium alter the message. There may not be a second chance.
I learned how difficult it is to keep everyone informed about anything new or changing in TOPS Nation during a tough time. Good intentions do not mask poor communication. Heck, it’s not that easy even during good times.
Are you listening?
Some may say that the information is not helping them. Sometimes the tone of what is said or written is mistaken as confrontational. There seems to be a lot of noise, but are the lines of communication open?
Anybody can communicate, but for communications to be successful, there must be someone who is listening. Listening is the most difficult part and takes practice. Most of us, while listening, are trying to think of a response before the message is completely delivered—thus missing the real message.
Are you listening?
Effective communication and learning new platforms can go a long way to help us achieve our mission. However, we not only have to practice listening to others; we also need to practice listening to ourselves before we communicate.
Are you listening?
By Barb Maas September 28, 2020
My history as a college counselor is completely in sync with what you’ve written & I believe you are so very much on target. Your post should be slowly read to each chapter during whatever form of mtg they can manage right now. Never has anything been so vital as the points you’ve discussed. I’ve recently resigned from my chapter because many members are ‘deaf’ in that sense. Misunderstandings abound, I hope to hold on using online resources because your topics go so far beyond anything our chapter leader discussed and you quietly observe & encourage in depth thinking of life changing issues. My old chapter completely misses those points & became more of a social gathering of friends. I need what you write of so I resigned in hopes of joining online eventually. I’m truly grateful for your insight and thoughtful topics. They are so welcome.
By Tamson R Darland August 5, 2020
Indeed listening is such a valuable part of our life. We can miss so much in a conversation or listening to discussion when were not listening. Listening expands our knowledge of things we may already be aware of. Or things we are learning for the first time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on listening.
By Becky Achilles August 4, 2020
I need to listen more for sure! Silent and Listen have the same letters just in different order! “Be Silent & Listen”…
By Barbara Sahrhage August 4, 2020
Very good advice Rick need to keep that in mind.
By Lila Johnson August 4, 2020
Rather poignant, Mr. Danforth! Thank you for sharing. I’d like to think I’m a good listener, but I am just as guilty of NOT being a good listener. So, again, thanks for sharing. A good reminder to work on my skills at listening.
By Mary Rixse August 3, 2020
I am guilty of the last one before the person is finished talking I jump when with my comment and because they had finished my comments were wrong. A serious fault I am working on