Tuesday 3, 2023
My favorite podcasters and coaches I had at Health Coach Institute, Lisa Callahan and Kari Morin spoke about this topic a couple of weeks ago on their show “The Things We Know.”
It really resonated with me, and I felt it was worth repeating what I learned.
Words are a fundamental tool for how we communicate. However, words can have a profound effect on others, shaping perceptions, emotions, and relationships.
Intent and impact have a delicate balance……
Intent is what you aim to achieve…… and impact is how a person receives it. Despite intentions being good, the impact may not be desirable to another.
“The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” Proverb
These two aspects of communication are interconnected but can sometimes diverge…… leading to misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and conflicts….. or be uplifting, inspiring, and create connections with others.
Communication, especially written on social media can go either way.
Here is something NEW to me. I always learned to put a “period” after a sentence, it was simply good grammar.
Now it means “PERIOD,” is a powerful negative connotation, like putting a word in all CAPS!
Botton line Intent vs Impact is not black & white. Both matter……… and depending on the context, one may be more significant than the other.
Be careful when reposting someone else’s post. Their intent may be different than yours, and others that read it ………may have a different impact.
It is best to address this kind of conflict head on……..
Try to set aside your own thoughts and feelings ……to center the impact…… that your actions had.
It’s a key part to maintaining healthy relationships. www.healthline.com (How Intent and Impact Differ and Why it Matters.
Here are “5” Key Principles ………of mindful communication…… of being aware of both intent…… and the potential impact of our words:
- Self- Awareness – Before writing and speaking, take a moment to reflect and be CLEAR on YOUR intent. Are you trying to: Inform, Persuade, Comfort, or Inspire?
- Empathy – Put yourself in the shoes of the listener. Consider how it may be received and how it will affect others emotionally.
- Clarity – Strive for clear and honest communication. Ambiguity ……can lead to misinterpretation.
- Active Listening – Pay attention to the reactions and responses. Did you notice an unintended impact? This may be a good time to be willing to adjust your approach and………. clarify your intent.
- Seek Feedback – Encourage open and honest feedback about your communication style. Also, it is a great way to gain insight into how your words are being received.
The intent and impact of what we write and say is essential for effective communication.
We must be mindful and make the effort to align our words with our intended message to:
- foster better understanding,
- build stronger relationships,
- and minimize the unintended negative consequences.
Words are powerful, but it is our responsibility to use them wisely, with both empathy and intent to create a positive impact on those around us.
Remember first………. YOU are in control of your own thoughts and feelings and YOU can control how you perceive a situation. www.betterup.com Intent versus Impact: A Formula for Better Communication (Shonna Walters, PhD, July 14, 4021)
Until next week, use your words and punctuation wisely, Trust your Truths and live your life with AGE-GILITY!
Bye for now!