Pass the Potatoes with a Side of Understanding

DEI / EEO Blog Post Series

December 23, 2021

The time has come where we join family and friends, ready to break bread together and celebrate this holiday season. For many, we prepare to square off with one or two family members who arrive ready to battle every political and social polarizing issue facing us today.  Some of us avoid those people at all costs, even contemplating making excuses not to attend. Others prepare for the 2021 battle of the year by reading every news article, practicing our arguments on friends, and jotting down a few anecdotes that prove our points.

I urge us to remember some great advice from Stephen Covey’s #5 of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective – Seek First to Understand, then be Understood.  Let’s stop and listen with the intent of understanding the speaker, regardless of how wrong you believe they are.  Understand where they are coming from, what in their life caused them to feel this way, and why it may be so different from your beliefs. Listen and you may learn something that helps you better communicate with the other person. Once you are able to effectively listen, you can rationally give your thoughts and hope that the listener is being understanding as well. Better communication is key! A side of understanding goes with anything and anyone at your table.  Remember to listen up and pass the understanding! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Blog post by ICS team member Celeste Bradley. ICS offers Diversity, Equity and Inclusion services and training, contact us for more information.