Purposeful Planning Institute Webinar
"I can handle you telling me what I did and didn't do. And I can handle your interpretations, but please do not mix the two. If you want to confuse any issue, I can tell you how to do it: Mix together what I do with how you react to it." - Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD
Description: When you don’t feel heard and understood, it’s difficult to resolve conflict — and easy to blame the other person. Did they really seek to understand? While they may well play a role, what about you? How might you do better — transmitting a message that’s clear? Open The Front Door is a mnemonic — a memory aid to help you identify four important parts of your message: Observations, Thoughts, Feelings, and Desires. Once your self-awareness of these components is clear, you can then communicate them to others more clearly. You may also better understand yourself! Learn this simple yet effective tool to increase self awareness and enhance your ability to communicate effectively with others.
Key Points:
- Open the Front Door is an easy to learn communication tool that is also helpful with self-awareness. After all, it's easier to communicate effectively with others once we're clear about our experience, what we want to share and request!
- Open the Front Door is an mnemonic, which reminds us to include Observations, Thoughts, Feelings, and Desires
- Start with Observations (observable, objective facts: who, what, when, where, how)
- Share how you experienced and interpreted those facts -- Thoughts (the story you tell yourself) and Feelings (emotions, not general descriptions)
- End with a specific Desire -- a request for what you want.
- Open the Front Door is taught in Chapter 9 of "In the Company of Family: How to Thrive When Business IS Personal."
- In "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships," Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD shares a similar communication tool -- and emphasizes its impact when you are in the role of listener.
Reading Recommendations: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD
