Rules for Effective Communication

When I consider the varying cultures represented within my group of friends, colleagues at work, colleagues at school, and my community, it becomes apparent that operating from a place of ethnocentrism or cultural myopia will hinder effective communication. When communicating with others, regardless of their background, it is imperative that we are willing to adjust our actions and behavior to accommodate the perspectives of others. This is not to lose sight of our own values and ethics, but rather to enhance our ability to communicate effectively. If we are stuck only on our perspectives, we are greatly limiting ourselves. 

When communicating with others, it is not enough to simply treat others as I want to be treated. This provides no guarantee that others prefer that same treatment. When communicating with those who may have different perspectives than we do, I feel it is important to remember to:

• Follow the Platinum Rule. When communicating with others, treat them as they themselves would like to be treated (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). This may differ from our own preferences so we must adapt and adjust accordingly.
• Work to be other-oriented, moving ourselves away from thinking that our own perspectives are the only ones that matter. When engaged in social decentering, we take into account the thoughts and perspectives of others (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011).
• Practice empathetic behavior and consider the emotions others are feeling. When we experience the emotions of others as if they were our own, our perspectives shift as our orientation no longer focuses only on ourselves. 

References

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon