Used effectively, words are windows allowing us to see and be seen.
Words reveal our model of the world and facilitate the process of forming teams and getting work done.
Used aggressively or carelessly, words turn into emotional stones we throw at each other in a communication breakdown.
Most people don’t intentionally mis-use words in an attempt to hurt each other. Yet frustration and confusion often lead us to say what might be better left unspoken.
When teams struggle to collaborate, managers believe no one’s listening, and workers feel harshly criticized, it may seem like there’s no way out.
But there is…
In Seishindo’s Verbal Aikido workshop, participants explore new, productive ways of communicating and being in relationship.
Whether attempting to change perceived shortcomings in others or diffuse apparent hostility, the tools of Verbal Aikido make it possible to build strong, purposeful relationships. The Verbal Aikido conflict-resolution and relationship-building process transforms how people engage with others.
The real point of communication is to be in relationship with others. This means you can use what you learn with everyone you come in contact with – your manager, your co-workers, your friends, and your children.
In this workshop, participants learn how to …
- Experience conflict as an opportunity to improve relationships.
- Appreciate and embrace adversaries instead of struggling against them,
- Respect diversity in opinions, and foster an atmosphere of collaboration.
- Make better relationships and get better results, by blaming and criticizing less.
- Appreciate that body language determines mood and expectation, prior to speaking.
- Listen for the positive intentions of your counterparts, and discover common ground.
- Construct communication patterns that invite agreement and acceptance, while dissolving hostility.
For more information about Seishindo’s Verbal Aikido program, including opportunities to present it for your group or organization, please contact us by email. We offer the program in several languages and multiple locations around the world.