Communication : Words Mean a Lot…!!!

...मैं करता रहा औरों की सही, मेरी बात मेरे मन ही में रही ...

Sipping a cup of hot coffee on one of those chilling winter morning and listening to the melodious old tune instantly reminded the age old teaching  “Silence is Golden”.  Something that I actually practiced my entire life till date.  But well, the philosophy might not be justifiable in all spheres of life.  In fact, by staying silent during a conversation, one loses his or her chance to express, may be the only available opportunity that gets lost.  And at what cost? 

Music, undoubtedly, soothes the wounded souls with its melody and meaningful lyrics.  Its healing effects have also been endorsed by medical science.    It is thus considered a most effective means of communication.

Communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is the main link between sharing of information, feelings, expressions and intentions among living organisms.  Speech, sound, music, signs, gestures etc are various methods of disseminating these varieties of signals to communicate with each other.   Communication is considered effective when the transmitted message is not just delivered to the recipient but when it is understood as well, and affirmed by a feedback process.

However, it's important to realize the long term impact of mis-communications before one decides to shoot out frank feelings. The most commonly encountered means of conversation is verbal by using words.  But, sometimes words may be more hurting, even if unintended. 

In most relationships, there are frequent moments of clash between ego and prejudices that lead to a series of miscommunication and conflict like situations.  Unless tackled timely, the flared up emotions and heated arguments amongst the anguished parties result in extreme undesirable conclusions.

In work environment, one has to be specifically sober and keep a controlled approach to similar unfamiliar and unwelcome conversation, which may be simply an outburst of hurt ego or mishandled emotions. 

Soft Skills

Human mind is complex and has a very tender side to it, though it has a huge capacity to tolerance, lest we mould it otherwise.  With varying degrees of understanding and perception People are seldom prepared to accept unwanted or unexpected statements. Thus, there is a need to maintain a balanced approach and proceed carefully while expressing oneself, so as not to be perceived being judgmental.

Illnesses challenge the calmness of stable emotions.  Patients and their close ones who accompany them to the hospitals undergo this peculiar phase of emotional transition.  They just expect a very mature and responsible approach with utmost care, compassion and considerate behavior from the care providers, be it the frontline desk workers or the nurses & doctors.   While the healthcare providers are taught to treat each and every patient with equal importance, there are moments where the situation may demand an extra attention to a particular patient with more severe clinical conditions.  Such activities unless clarified to other patients around the scene, may create a sense of neglect by the clinical staff and hence can be a potential source of conflict.

The large number of incidences pertaining to violence in hospitals towards medical professionals are a result of these growing pre-conceived impression that healthcare professionals do not care for the well being of patients and also have a biased attitude towards different categories of patients.   Though sometimes arrogant professionals may be a real cause for the unfortunate  initiation of a violent response.  Sincere efforts should be made to inculcate practice of soft skills during each interaction by the hospital staff of all categories.  It is mostly the frontline workers and the auxiliary and support staff such as housekeeping, security, attendants etc who need to be trained for a responsible behavior and to be carefully supervised to prevent these avoidable incidents.  Soft skills in terms of a cordial conversation and empathetic tone and gestures can in fact help in handling even complex of situations.

Should one really speak up?

An active participation is expected during discussions and brainstorming sessions, and  is a welcome behaviour.  In personal interactions, however, one must take a moment to weigh all perspectives before speaking.  Be cordial, considerate and compassionate and smile appropriately. Speak up with full conviction in situations which require speaking up one's mind, otherwise, even in slightest of doubts, stay cool, heavens won’t fall.  Silence is peace.

Dr Murli Janardan Sabath