Friday, March 30, 2012

Conversations, not monologue please!

During a meeting on Monday, my boss made a strong remark that whenever he said something, none of us will give some comments. It’s as if he is giving a “monologue”. Still, nobody said anything after that.

Close friends will always give feedback, encouragement, or even positive criticisms to build one another. But when the relationship become one of “superior-inferior” type of relationship, then “whatever-you-say-I-will-do” conversation will happen. I believe, this is how our boss talk to us. But how did this happen? Well, my boss always talks in a bossy manner. His body language shows. So, we just dare not comment.

As I reflect of this situation, I also have to ask myself how I speak to my subordinate and my children. Do I always talk in an authoritative manner? Have I learn to listen before replying? Does my tone and body language are in anyway incoherent with what I say?

Also, I realize that in facebook or blog, only those who are really at ease will give comments. Be it a joke, feedback or even negative comments, it is still better than none. It shows that they care to say something to you. Other will just so call “spy” on your posts and leave silently. Through the posts, I could really sense who are one that take the trouble to drop a few lines.

These days, I am learning what Apostle Paul call – Gracious in Speech:

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:6)

Agape