Communication is Key

Thinking of communication as a “key” helps us visualize the importance of communication. If you visualize communication as a key and the person you’re trying to communicate with as a locked door, you can see the value in having the right key. We hold multiple keys to multiple doors, and we, too, are a door to someone else. We swing open and shut to others based on the key they use. Communications rooted in negativity (insulting, degrading, and critical words) tend to close communication doors; while responses using collaborative, respectful, and direct words typically open them.

Productive conversations happen when your and the other person’s doors are open to allow the waves of communication to flow freely, sparking new ideas, empathy, and creative solutions.

Conflict is when doors get slammed shut (physically, emotionally, and metaphorically). When a door is slammed, communications on the other side ceased. Communication waves no longer flow in and out; doors only seem to open to throw out the trash (again, physically, metaphorically, and emotionally). Evaluating your own door swinging is of the utmost importance when this happens. Before attempting to open another, you have to make sure yours is open and ready to communicate.

Call a mediator if you find that your door or the other’s is still closed. We work as keys, helping both doors to open again.