By Neil Phillips.
You never told me to…. I did, too.… no, you didn’t.
Not sure about your house, but this conversation has been repeated way too often in ours. Sometimes it seems like the people we are always around are the ones we miscommunicate with the most often.
Keeping your family humming in the same direction takes some very intentional communication. Here are four easy strategies to keep everyone on the same page.
- Setting a regular time to communicate looks different for each family. Some families schedule weekly meetings to check in on each member and coordinate schedules. Others find that a daily check-in works best, like eating a meal together with no electronic distractions. Some parents schedule date nights with each child regularly to stay connected.
- Creating a place where everyone can check the schedule can be as simple as posting a calendar on the frig or linking everyone’s phones through Google calendar. A coordinated schedule has clear expectations about individual responsibility. Who is responsible for posting events? At what age can your children take this on? What happens when there is a conflict? When everyone in the family knows the answers to these questions, you will all be in sync!
- Listening when they talk is critical. It’s so easy to engage in another activity when someone tells you something important. Phones, television, and just plain distraction can create miscommunication. Develop good listening practices, like asking for someone’s attention before speaking. Have the listener confirm what was said. This will end the “I told you; no, you didn’t” cycle.
- Practice forgiveness overcomes lots of miscommunication. We all mess it up, so instead of being defensive when confronted with a misunderstanding, try “I’m sorry, I guess I misunderstood.” It opens the door to clarifying and moving forward.
The key to successful family communication is being clear about essential communication. Is it keeping the schedule together, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued, and having each family member understand your values and goals? What is important for your family? An excellent place to start is a family discussion. Slow down and spend more time in honest conversations; your family will hum right along!
Leaders learn that when they find a good balance between work and family, everyone starts to hum along. Your family is happier, you are more comfortable, and your team notices the difference. You are modeling the life that your team members want. You’ll start to hear, “How are you keeping your family so happy?” and stop hearing, “My family comes first.”
Want More Ideas on Finding Balance?
Join The Direct Selling Leaders Network. Since you are known by the company you keep, maybe you want to find some leaders who want to share passions, principles, and practice. You can be one of the great people to hang with.
The Direct Selling Leaders’ Network is the Facebook group for leaders like you. This social learning community is the premier online community for direct selling leaders, future leaders, and those who want to create their future. Leadership is a way of life, not just a position. Join us as we add new FREE content every week! Recruiting, Getting Your Team to Work, and Tips on Working Smarter, Not Harder. NOT A MEMBER? Please join some of the best leaders in direct sales.
