In my opinion there’s not a more important skill than communication. Communication is key to identifying and expressing our personal needs and wants. To be able to speak truthfully and honestly is more than necessary, it is vital. Applying this vital skill with a firm but gentle delivery is an art. One must keep in mind that art is subjective, making communication subjective too. No matter how skilled a communicator is the message being delivered is not always well received.
Communication is not just about conveying one’s thoughts. Listening is the other half of communication. Listening can be more challenging than the actual speaking part of communication. Receiving what we want to hear is easy. Listening to what we don’t want to hear is much harder. For personal growth to occur it is important to identify, convey, accept, and process what we say and what we hear others saying to us. There is a level of vulnerability that is required to communicate honestly. Respecting the vulnerability of others and within ourselves is the muscle behind strong communication skills. Vulnerability exists in the speaking and listening roles of communication.
All muscles need to be exercised and vulnerability is no different. Vulnerability is the burn that makes communication worthwhile. The most growth occurs when we push out of our comfort zones. A good communicator is patient with being uncomfortable because they understand the discomfort will be temporary. Returning to our comfort zone is the reward for practicing healthy communication skills. Embracing the burn and pushing through the uncomfortableness of a situation strengthens our interactions with one another. Self-respect and pride increase. Communication may not ever be easy, but it becomes easier the more we practice, train and prepare. There’s no more important life skill than communication. Communication is key to successful relationships.
