Protocol

“I’m new here, and so I just didn’t understand the proper protocol.” Protocol. I have come to detest that word. I am finding that a lot of people use that word to explain their poor conduct and their failure to utilize their empathy skills. Something I have learned through tracking and logging acts of kindness is that proper protocol is about common sense, respect, and above all - empathy. Effective communication is not just about the words being said, but also the context in which they were meant. Context is always a matter of perspective and if you are not looking from the perspective of another, you are not effectively communicating.

Motives and consequences. Basic anger management training helps a person realize that they may not have control over what other people say or do, but they do have control over how they interpret what other people say or do. Considering the motives behind what is being said will immediately apply a context to the words and help in the proper interpretation and ultimate communication. Considering the consequences of how you choose to reply will also impact on proper communication by influencing how receptive others are to your words. Words should be chosen carefully.

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” - Anthony Robbins (b. 1960)