Clear Communication
Those of you who know me well know that I am a reality TV junkie. (Don't judge!) One of the BEST reality TV shows on the air and honestly, maybe just one of the best TV shows in general, is Love on the Spectrum. This show follows young adults on the autism spectrum looking for love. Season 3 of the American version (it started in Australia- also definitely worth watching) was released recently. This show should be required watching for all leaders. Why?
These incredible young adults model what it means to be a great communicator. Unlike many people with "typical" brains, these young adults have had to learn how to communicate. They've had to learn how to engage in a back and forth conversation, not overshare about their passions, ask questions to learn about the other person, and how to express what they're feeling in a kind way. They learn how to end a date stating clearly their intentions. As in, "I had a great time, but I'd like to be friends." or "I had a fantastic time, and I'd like a second date, if you would." When they are in a relationship and something isn't going well, they muster up the courage to have the difficult conversation. They learned to say, "I have something hard to say..." or, "I am sad to tell you that..."
In addition to being clear and direct in their conversations, they also learn how to ask for what they need. They say things like, "I have a boundary about...", or "It's difficult for me to be in a loud place, can we move inside?" They are not ashamed of their differences and they've learned what they need to stay emotionally regulated.
They prepare. They work with a dating coach and in advance of each date, they plan out questions they can ask and topics of conversations. They think about what they want to learn about the other person and they fall back on this preparation when they face an awkward silence.
As leaders, we have an obligation to be the best communicator possible:
To be clear and kind
To be transparent and direct
To express our needs
To prepare for difficult conversations
To have the courage to have difficult conversations
As I watch this show and feel ALL the feels it reminds me of the good in humans and the potential for all of us to be strong communicators.
In partnership,
Jodi (and Christina)
