Communication

Communication is an essential ingredient of any relationship. Can the importance of expressing oneself in a healthy way, listening to verbal and non verbal cues to gain understanding be learned? This month take a look at the article Making and Maintaining a Good Personal Relationship to get the communication 'know-how' and fix things if they come unstuck.

Are you among the thousands of people who feel lonely and restless, even after a busy week at work? No matter how rewarding work is, it can't fulfill all of our needs. And the nights and weekends may still feel empty if there's no one to share them with. In Finding and Managing Relationships see how to make room for others in your busy life and manage the relationships you already have.

Maintaining healthy, close relationship requires your attention and strong commitment. A healthy relationship is one in which you show respect and kindness toward each other. All relationships have ups and downs and differences of opinions, but ongoing communication will ensure a relationship that is rewarding, and an enduring bond of trust and support. See Nurturing Close Relationships.

Shared values, commitment, and the ability to resolve conflict are considered crucial elements of building a strong and lasting relationship. For example, in the article10 Tips For Building A Strong Relationship psychologists' identify the 10 most common themes long term relationships tend to have, having fun together and how you communicate are two. Read the article to find out more.

Communicating with you teenager may seem impossible! However, in the article Building a Good Relationship with Your Teenager you're presented with helpful tips on being positive amidst the changes adolescence brings to your child and family's life. Answers on how to deal well with power struggles, staying

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Stillness

This month as I combed journal articles, the Internet and my 20 year personal work, family, life experience to write What's New, I stopped, pondered all that I've learned, studied and experienced. Of course it is impossible not to acknowledge what most of us know, work life balance is a dynamic process and often dependent upon your age, situation and life stage. It requires continual adjustment, readjustment, planning, prioritizing, delegation and a lot of effort. Plus, family friendly policies from employers, help from partners, spouse and carers. No wonder parents and singles struggle with yet another responsibility called 'work life balance'!

Is there a simpler way?

Perhaps we've missed the point, thinking if we change external structures we can change our inner self. What use is changing outward structures like working if inwardly we feel fractured, stressed, distracted and work family guilt ridden?

Searching for answers I discovered that those who truly master work, life balance have an inner consciousness, presence and awareness. They cultivate stillness effortlessly within each moment even when their minds are chattering, heart is thumping, expectations are flying and circumstances chaotic. These folks ooze balance. They are present to themselves and others. They recognise the difference between a conditioned response and reality, they are patient, content, focused, creative and giving.

Could it be these folks have discovered the value of stillness no matter what the circumstance?

This month I urge you to seek inner stillness and maybe you will discover that you already have the work, life balance you desire.

©  Michelle Waters 2010

Tough Conversations

It is time for your performance review and you believe you deserve a salary increase, however broaching the subject with your manager causes you terrible anxiety. Communicating and getting what you want is tough. Plus, according to research, if you are a women, you are much less likely to ask for a salary increase than your coworker male. Plus results from a recent HR survey indicate that many managers are more intimidated than you about having this conversation.

It is human nature to avoid situations we don't like, but in the long term avoiding a difficult conversation can be detrimental to your health and work, life, balance.

Whether you are a manager or employee it is very important for you to prepare yourself prior to a difficult conversation. Clear effective communication is essential to feeling heard and understood.

The ability to communicate facts and the ability to listen and clarify is a learned skill.

Here are 7 tips that will help:

1. Plan ahead for the conversation.
2. Rehearse prior with a friend or partner
3. Regarding a salary review, know the facts, how performance is measured and the business objectives
4. Listen and understand their interest and yours
5. Be open to options and alternatives such as flexible work options, professional development.
6. Be confident and focus on the skill of communication
7. Value your role in managing difficult conversations

In addition, in tough situations remember to seek social support like companionship, time spent with friends because sharing thoughts and feelings not only tends to make you feel better, but also has a significant effect on your health.

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