How can we reach each other?
Iday, we can reach an incredible number of people, anywhere and at any time. It is, of course, nothing less than a technological revolution. Paradoxically, the fantastic opportunity contributes to new problems. One is that it has become more difficult to really reach other people.
We are generous with our likes and quick comments and are drawn to the confirmation that social media is so good at. But at what price?
Professor Sherry Turkle at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) warns that when we communicate on social media, we turn our attention to technology instead of to each other. Our capacity for empathy decreases and this happens at times when we really need to be able to feel empathy. As it looks today, we communicate more than ever, but we have fewer and fewer real conversations, says Sherry Turkle. In 1995, Turkle looked very positively at the network's ability to build virtual relationships. Now she is raising warning flags.
Communication literally means doing things together. What is required to create communication that makes us meet in understanding of each other's perspectives?
Is it time to re-ignite campfires? "In real life" (IRL) in the internet world language. Warming, crackling camp fires that stimulate us to relax face to eye. Camp fires that make us listen interested and listen to themselves.
In our workplaces, of course, it is more difficult to light fires, and often directly inappropriate. But what if in our regular work meetings we can create something that makes the communication around the physical campfire so relaxed, so good? To really get there, we need to meet.
I want to claim that the more we succeed in recreating the trusting closeness of the campfire and the sense of we in our communication, the more effectively we will reach each other the so-called campfire factor.
See in front of you how I now light a virtual campfire. Welcome to a discussion about the campfire as a source of inspiration and how we can create effective communication in this new communication landscape!
One start is that you are thinking about: What campfires do you remember? What good conversations do you remember there? How did it feel to sit around the fire? What characterized the conversations that took place there? How can we transfer these qualities to our conversations at work? Learn about Yesbox Call
The more we can capture what makes campfire conversation good, the more effective our communication can be.
Here is a description of what creates this campfire factor and how you can take advantage of it, for example in an employee interview.
There is a need for meeting forms that balance the fast and not always well-thought-out thoughts in fast, new media. We need arenas for listening and reflection. To really understand each other's map image and to find common solutions to complex issues at work and in society.
Maybe we can also be inspired in our employee conversations by man's ancient way of transmitting wisdom between generations? The warming, crackling campfires have long been man's natural gathering place for fellowship, conversation, and reflection.
What made that communication so good? Here are some factors that you can use when planning for your development talks, so that they really become value talks:
The situation
There is a proximity when we sit around the fire. It is a physical meeting with the possibility of participation and dialogue. The ring around the campfire reinforces a sense of trust and belonging. Several minds are involved; we feel warmth, look fascinated at the flames and hear the crackling from the fire as a soothing sound ball to our conversation.
Communication
The dialogue around the fire becomes prestigious, inclusive and open. Maybe it is because of the feeling of belonging and being chosen to participate right here? The conversation tone is informal. We read the body language and understand better what the person means.
effects
The campfire paves the way for commitment, pride and a sense of belonging. Anchoring really takes place here. We get to know each other more. I get listened to, get to share thoughts and tell my experiences. Then I also become more interested in listening to others. The interaction is facilitated by the unpretentiousness that arises around the fire. As several senses are affected, we remember the conversation and let ourselves be influenced by the conclusions for a long time.
Do you recognize yourself from campfire conversations that you have had yourself? What campfire factors can you take advantage of in the conversations that you lead? Learn about value conversations
Andris Zvejnieks
#dialogue #reflection #communication
