World Peace, this has long been my goal and passion in life.
I know this may sound like a cliché, like an answer from a beauty pageant, but it’s true! And I believe that we can get there – one conversation at a time.
For most of my life, I feel like I was not heard. Even when someone tries to listen to what I say, I feel like I haven’t gotten my message across. So I found myself very interested in human behavior, especially in the aspect of communication. I invested in learning all the different kinds of studies on the subject and even took several personality assessments. But after I got excited about learning so much, I had such a hard time translating what I learned into a real-life setting.
It dawned on me that I may not be the only one with the same struggle. And this is when I saw the opportunity to bridge the gap from learning to application – a means to focus and simplify communication. Hence, The Chat System was born.
Have you ever talked to someone but end up wanting the person to leave after a while? Well, you may have realized this already, but that person is probably not trying to annoy you. However, you are having a hard time connecting because you have very different communication styles. This is what The CHAT System is about. It’s a principle that helps you recognize the different communication patterns of each individual, including yourself, and allows you to better connect with them in a more meaningful way.
Remember the golden rule “do unto others what you want others to do to you”? Yeah, that is hardly practical in an actual conversation. Imagine if you are the type of person who wants direct and short answers, would you be fond of hearing an elongated narrative story-telling to your simple “How are you?” In the same way, people who like to exchange stories would not be too pleased when the only reply they got from you is “Okay” or “LOL.” So to remedy the dilemma, follow the “Platinum Rule – Treat others the way they want to be treated.” Give brief, straight-to-the-point answers to those who want it, while a reply with a little more content will go a long way in connecting with others.
Each individual is designed with their communication style, and everyone who values teamwork and success must take the time to know how to better communicate with everyone. Each person in your team has a talent they can bring to the table, but unless you communicate with them, you may never get the chance to see it. Every single one member of the team is a significant piece of the puzzle, and like a puzzle, each piece is unique. Some are carved this way, and some another. Others have more colors and some less. But only when all these pieces are used and put together can we say that the puzzle is finally complete.
Your understanding of the CHAT communication methodology is useful not only in nurturing your relationships but also those of professional nature. A CEO will be able to communicate more effectively to their subordinates who have a different communication style than them. Entrepreneurs can make better marketing efforts to engage their customers if they know how to converse and connect with them. Even virtual work sessions will be more comprehensive and successful when you know how to listen to the words. And finally, teams who are well-versed in the CHAT methodology will be able to make better relationships with their family at home, thus being able to perform at their best in the workplace.
Communication is the backbone of success for all types of relationships – personal and professional. But even more than that, communication is our way of understanding, appreciating, and valuing each other, making the world a more peaceful place to live.
World peace does not seem so farfetched now, does it? That’s right, with one conversation at a time.
