Interpersonal communication is rooted in culture and is complicated. Being successful in today's diverse work world requires being able to communicate effectively and influence superiors as well as subordinates and team members. In cultures where top down management is traditional, learning new, effective, and respectful interpersonal communication skills is especially important. The New Skills taught by GET are not intended to replace traditional and time-honored ways of relating. Rather, they provide alternative and additional options for relating at work. Trainees explore the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. They work to gain the self-knowledge and emotional maturity needed to use the New Skills in a highly effective, appropriate, and responsible manner. Small group dynamics, role-plays, and insight simulations are vital components of this intense learning experience.
One of the New Skills has to do with intentional and purposeful listening. Trainees discover how their personal 'hearing-filters' and 'evaluations' get in the way of understanding completely everything being said to them. Learning to recognize these obstacles is an important part of this learning. Learning to actively listen to and receive information sent by another, then to decode and understand it is stressed. Trainees will learn about different status levels of sending and receiving
Trainees will also learn how, and when, to use the New Skill of relating directly, honestly, and with respect. This is a culturally sensitive area in relating. There are times when being assertive is effective in getting the result wanted - and - there are times when it is counter-productive. The key is learning how to be direct without causing the other person to become defensive or offended. With practice, trainees will gain an awareness of when it is appropriate to be sincere and straightforward. Communicating exact thoughts and honest ideas can feel risky for both the sender and receiver. GET shows learners how to lower the risk and increase the benefits of being transparent. Knowing how to be open with one another in ways that are genuine and respectful is a key to being understood, moving beyond conflict, and having personal influence.
Another New Skill is learning how to temporarily stop evaluating and to suspend judgment of a person or group. Being able to appreciate another person's world from their point of view is a very powerful way to help people become unstuck, improve understanding, and gain influence. Being able to use this New Skill with an adversary is extremely useful. Often judgments, attitudes, and opinions will change. Areas in which to cooperate can be discovered and new, more useful, strategies designed. Win/Win and synergistic outcomes become possible. Creative, productive energy can be freed-up.
Mastering the New Skillsincreases self-confidence and the willingness to be assertive and take calculated risks to get what is needed from others. Additionally, the New-Skills take on an important new dimension when they are used in the larger context of personal motivation, leadership, and satisfaction. This component of GET's core communication training has to do with vision and articulating goals that have personal and professional meaning. Developing the leadership skills necessary to achieve those goals will follow.
Having clear personal goals makes it possible to prioritize and make strategic choices about professional achievement. When personal and professional goals and values are in harmony with vision, it is possible to bring forth one's creative, powerful, and energetic best. Leadership qualities will be enhanced. Work becomes more interesting, purposeful, and satisfying.