Are You Communicating?
Are You Communicating?
Many Native American tribes use a unique way of communicating.
No, I'm not talking about sending smoke signals. I'm referring
to the use of a Talking Stick. Only the person holding the
Talking Stick is allowed to speak. This is very useful at a
tribal "board" meeting because arguing is kept to a minimum
then, and each person has one job to do - Listen - unless s/he
has the Talking Stick.
On really big decisions the Talking Stick is passed, one to the
next, all around the circle as each person gets to have a say in
the discussion without others interrupting or starting an
argument. Ah, I wish I had known about this Talking Stick when
my children were growing up.
Here's a simple solution for other families today - Listen,
Pause, Clarify and Validate. Read on, I think it will make great
good sense to you, too.
Love, Joan