Since we all come from all walks of life and so many different countries, I thought I will post this gem I found somewhere on respectful communication. Enjoy:-)
Treat others as you expect to be treated yourself.
Always return messages on time. If you don’t have an answer, let them know when you will have an answer.
Don’t be forced into a position you do not want. However, let people know where you stand. Do not make excuses or tell white lies; it destroys your credibility. Once your credibility is gone, it is very difficult to reestablish it.
Understand that different people come from different perspectives. It is very important to set clear expectations. Clear expectations always lead to clear communication.
Always treat people with respect even if you disagree with them. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
Anger should not be hidden, as it is important that people understand that something they did or something that happened made you angry. Yet you can explain that without lashing out and escalating the conflict further.
A conversation will only work if there is dialogue. A true dialogue builds a common understanding and brings people together even if they disagree. This requires trust and comfort. Trust and comfort are predicated on clear expectations and openness.
Dialogic listening is similar to active listening, although it emphasizes conversation as a shared activity and stresses an open-ended, playful attitude toward the conversation. In addition, the parties focus on what is happening between them (rather than each party focusing on what is going on within the mind of the other), and it focuses on the present more than on the past or the future.
Avoid making crude stereotyping. All human beings are different and to gather them together into crude stereotypes hurt feelings and create unexpected reactions.
Follow the simple rule: RESPECT
R = take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming others.
E = EMPATHETIC listening
S = be SENSITIVE to differences in communication style
P = PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak
E = EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions
C = keep CONFIDENTIALITY
T = TOLERATE ambiguity, because we are NOT here to debate who is right or wrong
