Quaran-Tools: Deepen Connections at Home and at Work

Social distancing, isolation, and uncertainty create new communication breakdowns, and can intensify relationship issues at home and at work. We’re in close quarters at home, with more chances to get on each other’s nerves. At the same time, we’re working remotely, with the unique challenges of virtual teams. 
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In our recent Webinar, Communication in a Time of Social Distancing: Deepening Connections at Home and at Work, we shared five evidence-based micro-communication behaviors to strengthen your communication with significant others, family members, and work teams:

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1. Ask open-ended questions and then share your understanding: Ask questions like, “What do you need most from me right now?” Then carefully listen to the answer and clarify your understanding.
2. Share your own contribution to the problem: Nothing signals integrity like acknowledging that you are part of the problem (“In my zeal to get a small business loan I’ve not been taking a meaningful role around the house, even though my schedule is more flexible than yours.”)​
3. Consciously share your feelings: Self-disclosure (“I’m sometimes overwhelmed with fear for my health”) is the greatest predictor of successful relationships—and that’s what sharing vulnerable feelings does. (Tweet it!)
4. Pinpoint details: Vague complaints inflame, but specific examples instruct. Instead of saying “You’ve been distracted and unresponsive,” you might say, “Yesterday when you joined the Zoom meeting you said you hadn’t completed the all-employee email and I agreed to do it.” Then get the other person to share their view by asking: “What was going on for you?” 
5. A do-over can be healing: Pave the way for a relationship reboot by saying, “I’ve been thinking about our conversation and I believe I can do better. Can we try again?” When you decide on a do-over, remember to use the four guidelines above!

What have been your biggest quarantine communication challenges at home and at work? How are you handling them? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.