"I Interpret Everything You Say On Who I Know You To Be"
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This week a colleague said something about my division in a Slack message. It wasn’t positive so I could have interpreted the intent as anywhere from neutral to malicious.
This week a colleague said something about my division in a Slack message. It wasn’t positive so I could have interpreted the intent as anywhere from neutral to malicious.
Fortunately I’ve know this person for a few years and they’ve consistently displayed high levels of integrity, ethics and constructive leadership.
So although I was definitely thrown by the comment, I chose to do something my mother in law taught me many years ago...
I remember saying something to her as I was leaving her house. It was one of those comments that could easily have sounded harsh. I turned to her trying to say I didn’t mean it that way.
She stopped me mid-sentence and said something like “I’ve known you for a long time and I know you’re not severe or harsh. Please know that I interpret everything you say on who I know you to be.”
So I sent my colleague a private message explaining my concern. Their explanation made perfect sense and was 100% in alignment with their character.
I’m freshly reminded how easy it is in life to interpret things harshly and react accordingly. But I’m also encouraged that it’s possible to interpret things more generously.
Special thanks to Beverley Du Bruyn for a lesson I’ll never forget!
#relationships #communication #generosity
Fortunately I’ve know this person for a few years and they’ve consistently displayed high levels of integrity, ethics and constructive leadership.
So although I was definitely thrown by the comment, I chose to do something my mother in law taught me many years ago...
I remember saying something to her as I was leaving her house. It was one of those comments that could easily have sounded harsh. I turned to her trying to say I didn’t mean it that way.
She stopped me mid-sentence and said something like “I’ve known you for a long time and I know you’re not severe or harsh. Please know that I interpret everything you say on who I know you to be.”
So I sent my colleague a private message explaining my concern. Their explanation made perfect sense and was 100% in alignment with their character.
I’m freshly reminded how easy it is in life to interpret things harshly and react accordingly. But I’m also encouraged that it’s possible to interpret things more generously.
Special thanks to Beverley Du Bruyn for a lesson I’ll never forget!
#relationships #communication #generosity