Interpersonal effectiveness is a broad topic that entails many aspects of how we view and interact with the world. Reflect on how mindful you are in your relationships.
Plan to have a thoughtful conversation with a friend, family member, or colleague. Before you have the conversation, note the following things that you will be required to do during your conversation:
• Focus on what the person is saying.
• Don't think about what you are going to say next.
• Truly listen to the person.
• Let the person finish his or her sentences.
• Don't interrupt while the person is talking.
• Make note of the person's nonverbal communication.
• Be mindful of how you are saying things (verbal and nonverbal communication).
• Take note of how the person is reacting.
After having the thoughtful conversation with another individual, please write a two-page reflection paper focused on the following questions:
• Briefly, with whom did you have the conversation and where?
• How easy did you find it to be mindful? Why?
• What did you notice during the moments when you were able to be mindful? How were you feeling?
• How did mindlessness-both yours and the other person's-show up in the conversation? What effect did it have?
• Identify two or three things that you learned which were evident in your conversation. Explain how they were evident in your interaction.
• What would help you be more mindful in your life? Identify two actions (i.e., new behaviors you can practice). How will these actions improve your relationships with others?