Saturday, February 6, 2010

15 Ways to Escalate a Misunderstanding

This is for your "what it's worth department" and it may help you to think through a tough or intense situation!

The content is from my Cultural Diversity teacher, and I thought it would be useful for anyone reading this blog! :)


* 1. Not listening carefully. We know when your attention is divided.
* 2. Casually dismissing an incident, a problem, or a situation with comments like "sounds like a personal problem to me." or "How is that MY problem?" Annoying to hear!
* 3. Attempting to deflect the importance of or to minimize a problem. It makes some people's concerns seem unimportant.
* 4. Taking a stand for inaction by making statements that reflect and attitude of not caring, or of avoidance with statements like "What can you do?" That kind of thing isn't really seeking an answer.
* 5. Being too self absorbed to care or pay attention. This will be obvious to others.
* 6. Making comments or promises that are insincere. People have radar for this stuff!
* 7. Having unrealistic expectations of another person, their work, or their attempts to remedy a problem. This can backfire, you should be reasonable with yourself and others.
* 8. Relying on assumptions without looking into or investigating a situation or a problem. Big Mistake!
* 9. Making judgments based on incomplete information, or on your perceptions alone. Better check your attitude and investigate.
* 10. Responding with sarcasm. Do you want to be thought of as a "jerk"?
* 11. Displaying feelings of hostility through words, facial gestures, and body language. DO NOT act this way with the police!!!
* 12. Not holding your temper (same as above), and judging someone's reaction with a hostile response. This may provoke an attitude adjustment that you would not like.
* 13. Using harsh words and/or yelling. This makes people not want to listen to you.
* 14. Laying blame on someone without due regard for engaging them in a conversation or avenue of discovery, and of course not involving them in problem solving. Examine why you are laying blame. Is it or will it be productive and helpful. Watch your language.
* 15. Using blatant insults, name-calling, and or other words that are defamatory. I know! It's hard to refrain from letting someone know how you feel with ahem...passionate words.

2 comments:

  1. Now if I could only drill this stuff into my head during every argument......

    ReplyDelete