This is part two of our discussion on building trust through language. Last week we talked about identifying our preferred languages and how they show up. This week, I want to encourage you to try leaning away from those comfortable languages and styles.
We all have tendencies that can help us but also hold us back at times.
The next step is to lean away from our preferred languages in order to be less entrenched in our own style. For example, I’m fast paced and enthusiastic, and often, I can be way more effective when I simply slow down a bit and mellow out.
If I were very calm and measured, I might be more effective if I spoke up more, and more quickly, and allowed some emotion to come into the exchange.
It’s a challenge, but pushing our boundaries a little can go a long way in building trust.
Next week: part three, where we’ll dive into leaning toward other people’s languages to connect even more.
Thanks for reading,
Alan Feirer
Leave a Reply