Tag: self improvement

The Art of Listening

Photo Courtesy: Saeed Karimi

Ever wondered why good listeners are good listeners? And why do we like to talk or share more with someone who is a good listener?

Active listening is an important component when it comes to listening. Olson & Iwasiw, 1987 referred it as — “a measurable dimension of empathy.”

The art in itself begins with us. Only when we are willing to devote our energy to it. Active listening has three components to it.

1. Listen for total meaning – includes both what is conveyed and how it is conveyed.

2. Responding to feelings – responding back in a way which is aligned with the way speaker feels understood.

3. Noting all the cues – includes both verbal i.e. contents or speech and non-verbal i. e. feelings, tone, expression.

Active listening is an integral component when it comes to therapy. Carl Rogers payed a close attention to this aspect in his therapeutic settings. According to him, it is a tool that fosters positive change.

Active listening can be improved and here are some techniques that can help.

• Paraphrasing – simply restating the information received in own words.

• Probing – sometimes by asking questions we not only gather more information but also understand better. However, begin with open ended questions.

• Reflect – reflecting to the speaker in ways they feel understood at all levels.

“Sometimes all a person wants is an empathetic ear; all he or she needs is to talk it out. Just offering a listening ear and an understanding heart for his or her suffering can be a big comfort.” – Roy T. Bennett

Posted on by Onpathtogrowth 0

Why Teamwork is Important?

Photo Courtesy: Krakeimages

The term teamwork has been so often heard from every job description to every organization. It has become a quintessential term in the professional sphere.

As defined by Cannon-Bower, 1995 -Teams comprises of two or more than two individuals working on specific roles, have interdependent tasks and share commonalities in their goals. In order to perform the functions effectively and efficiently team members have specific knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) which could be relating to monitoring performance, or having positive deposition toward working in a team comprises a teamwork.

Some examples of teamwork could be – hospitals wherein – nurses, doctors, pharmacists, technicians and other medical professionals work together.

What makes teamwork important?

While there are many answers to it. I have attempted in answering it in three points.

First – Individuals who are on correct KSAs can perform a particular task. These individuals are either recruited or selected based on their competencies on task and team orientation.

Second – Teamwork is enhanced by introducing a good workflow, modification on tasks or structure in the environment.

Third – Training individuals is one of the best practices and widely used practices. Often relies on well tested tools eg- seminars, lectures. Crew Resource Management (CRM) is one example.

What are your views on teamwork?

Posted on by Onpathtogrowth 0

Favourite Quotes from The Jungle book

The Jungle Book is a story based on real person, a real man-cub. It is written by Rudyard Kipling in 1967. It is one of the most iconic stories for children which talks about the lessons Mowgli’s learnt on facing fears, gaining confidence and triumph over it and helping his friends Baloo and Bagheera from Sher Khan.

“To each his own fear. “

“They looked at one another and up and down, and they wondered. For the ways of elephants are beyond the wit of any man, black or white, to fathom.”

” For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack. “

“Look for the bare necessities. The simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife.”

Every time I watch or read this story, it makes me go back to my childhood days. I never imagined stories from childhood can be applied to adulthood so well.

Mowgli is an adaptation of The Jungle book available on Netflix.

Which is your favorite childhood story?

Posted on by Onpathtogrowth 0

OrGaNized, Organized or organizeD

Photo Courtesy: Anthony Delanoix

From small shops or big malls, what is one thing that makes it so appealing at the first place? Why do book stores are divided into sections? Why couch is in the living room? Why lingerie has a separate place in wardrobe?

Why some small and capital letters in a word looks more appealing when organized?

Organization is everywhere.

According to Dr. Bethany Cook, a licensed clinical psychologist, “Humans are naturally inclined to find comfort in the predictable.”

Marie Kondo, a tidying expert in her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up talks about the “KonMari Method” – it encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. What is most appealing about her methodology is because it is built up on joy- forward premise.

De-cluttering definitely promotes good health. Keeping trash around, not cleaning regularly can make your surroundings a breeding ground for bacteria or diseases.

Photo Courtesy: Andrea Davis

Researches have shown that being organized can improve your physical and mental health. It can reduce signs of stress and depression.

It is not just putting things in right places but at the same time enjoying the act of doing it. May it be putting flowers in the corner of room. Setting up a coffee table, you can add elements that you like, it may be color combinations, a tiny succulent or a specific corner. Stacking books the way you like. You can ask your partners or children to help you. Brainstorm ideas and make your surroundings not just organized but beautiful.

Why being organized matters to you?

Posted on by Onpathtogrowth 0

Great lessons from Tuesday’s with Morrie

Tuesday’s with Morrie in a memoir by Mitch Albom. It is about a series of visits he made on every Tuesday’s to his sociology professor Morrie Schwartz who gradually dies of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Throughout these days both discuss about various topics about life and living.

“We need to forgive ourselves. For all the things we didn’t do. All the things we should have done. You can’t get stuck on the regrets of what should have happened.”

As you grow, you learn more. Aging is not just decay…it’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, it’s also the positive that you understand that you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.”

“There is no formula to relationships. They have to be negotiated in loving ways, with room for both parties, what they want, and what they need, what they can do and what their life is like.”

“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.”

“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”

Posted on by Onpathtogrowth 0