In it together
Background
Studies support the positive importance of high-quality connections in life. Even brief meaningful encounters can improve our working memory and our brain’s speed in information processing. High-quality connections can help us develop and grow as humans and connect to the communities and organizations around us. They even have an impact on our health, supporting the functioning of our cardiovascular and immune systems.
High quality relationships are built through genuine, open interaction. Just looking at each other with appreciation creates a sense of wellbeing and reinforces psychological safety. Shared positive emotions increase our wellbeing and require the ability to be present in the moment. Body language plays a major role, as we trust the messages our bodies send us. Body language tells us whether the listener is mentally present or whether their mind is already occupied with other things.
Active, in-depth listening communicates interest in the storyteller. Active listening gives the narrator space and asking questions helps them clarify and crystallise their own thoughts. A couple of examples of in-depth questions could be "What do you think is the most important aspect of this?" or "How do you think this should be handled in the future?"
In addition to body language, presence and listening, words are also important. A genuine thank you for a job well done strengthens the bond. Psychological safety creates trust and trust enhances psychological safety.
Instructions
- Read article Corrosive interaction or high-quality connections?
- Read also blog posts, e.g. Jari Ylitalo: The meaning of encounters or Suvi Helko: Said something wrong to someone? When they correct you, say thank you.
- Do the exercise How to develop your listening skills.
- Check out the interview with Nina Nurmi (see Additional material)
Corrosive interaction or high-quality connections?
Our connections with others affect our lives: our health, commitment, performance and wellbeing. Connecting with others can be practiced and developed, just like any other skill.
| ⏰~4 min. |
As a teacher, researcher and developer of leadership, I have had hundreds of opportunities over the years to support managers, supervisors, experts and students in their cooperation and development of interaction skills. I have noticed that I am interested in very basic questions. What happens in interaction situations? What do we consider a successful interaction? And in what ways does interaction matter to us?
| ⏰~4 min. |
How to communicate so that mistakes do not lead to conflicts? What is the role of the person giving the feedback and the one receiving the feedback? Read the blog post below by Suvi Helko, Project Specialist of Oasis of Radical Wellbeing, to find out!
| ⏰ ~20 min. |
Listening is a key communication skill. Listening skills are related to both professional success and personal wellbeing. Listening is more than just hearing ─ it also involves the ability to understand, remember, interpret, evaluate, and respond to what we have heard. (See e.g., Bodie, 2019.) By listening, we can better understand different opinions and points of view, share information, show interest and appreciation, give support, and build interpersonal relationships. Take a few minutes to reflect upon the following questions. By doing the following exercises, you are on your way to becoming a better listener!
More things to consider
| ⏰ ~6 min. |
How does hybrid work management differ from traditional work management, where everyone meets at the same time in the office? We asked Niina Nurmel, Associate Professor at Aalto University, what is required of managers in a hybrid environment and how to manage the risks already identified in hybrid work, such as exhaustion.
Written by Reetta Räty