Conversation Skills

One of the reasons abuse — especially verbal abuse in the form of harsh, negative and demeaning judgments and criticisms, gossiping, bullying and other types of non-physical assault — is common in the workplace is people’s lack of conversation skills: the type of skills that support one to speak to another openly, honestly and respectfully, about what really matters. Folks who are comfortable in their own skin and can listen and understand consciously, possess effective communication skills, are able to speak up and speak out, and can discuss difficult topics with a sense of ease and grace are healthier than those who cannot.

The reason those with good dialogue skills have fewer ailments is because they are able to work through issues and differences in a healthy way. They don’t resort to attacking, belittling, one-upping, demeaning, dismissing, labeling, insulting, ridiculing, or verbally harming others to get their way.