MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

BY TOM MALONE

© GETTY IMAGES

Every survival situation needs a leader or a core assemblage of leaders, if there’s a large number of people involved, to make decisions, listen to the needs of the group and communicate decisions and directives to everyone. Without a leader, much like a boat without a rudder, the group will be aimless. Group members could be susceptible to misinformation and misperception. The most important tool in the toolbox of any leader in any crisis situation is communication. Without it, the mission is lost in confusion and chaos.

1.0 GOOD COMMUNICATION

This applies not only to survival situations but everyday life in general: Being good at communication means that you must listen more than you speak: You have two ears and one mouth. Half-listening while waiting for your turn to speak will not help in making your point or help the other pers on achieve their objective

1.1 Understand the Other Person

When another person feels you understand them, they are far more likely to be open to understanding you. Willingness to understand involves generosity, respect, self-control, compassion and patience. Be "curious instead of furious" about how others are different from you

1.2 Be an Active Listener

Never interrupt a person when they are speaking, and avoid the temptation to finish their sentence. Focus on what they are saying at that moment and disr egard what their emotions are saying, what their body language is telling you and what you think their true intentions are.

1.3 Make Communication a Priority

Contrary to today’s media practices, people have a right to the truth and the y have a right to information that affects them. If your group is stranded in a subway tunnel and the East River is slowly seeping in, as a leader, it is your job to impart that information to the group in an intelligent and urgent way.