HOW TO LISTEN
– let the other person have their say without interruption
– paraphrase back what was said to check your understanding
– acknowledge criticism rather than making excuses
HOW TO GIVE FEEDBACK
– adjust your message to the other person’s point of view
– talk about specific actions and suggest specific changes
– respect differences of opinion – you can disagree and still get along
BEING ASSERTIVE
– find the middle ground between caving in or blowing up
– ask for concrete changes rather than changes in attitude
– try repeating the message in different ways if you are not getting through
– learn from past experience when negotiating future commitments
ACKNOWLEDGING MISTAKES
– acknowledge the mistake without trying to minimize or make excuses
– offer a plan to make amends and remedy the mistake
– start over without grudges and with an intention to keep improving
SEE ALSO:
Honest Communication
The Challenge of Being Close
Are You Difficult to Love?
Fighting With Your Partner?