I’m learning that it seems nobody will listen nor read what I would have to say if they don’t first trust me. Seems like an obvious statement but it seems at least for me I need the reminder.
It seems people in general are too self-absorbed, too busy and distracted to take the time to actually think about what one might assert and actually try to see where one might be coming from. Or they simply just do not understand me.
Not that I want anybody to listen to me for my sake, it’s just I want to give something I feel is very valuable and enriching to give.
What can foster an environment of trust? Some ideas:
- Actions not words:
- actions seems like its own language that implicitly reveals one’s intent; if it is authentically good, people may feel that its safer to trust
- don’t be an ass
- Reflective Listening:
- implicitly by listening one shows:
- respect
- sincere interest
- care
- this may may make it easier to trust
- implicitly by listening one shows:
- Nothing that could be interpreted as threatening
- being sensitive to context and individual history
- Possess an inner peace with God
- Forgive and be forgiven that nothing would trigger an emotionally charged response that could be interpreted as threatening
- Lighten up the environment
- Remember if they don’t trust it’s not your fault, with God love help where you can
- Find points in which you can relate with the other person(s)