A reflection I’ve had recently is observing the effect of the frequency of my nods and the effectiveness of a conversation.
It works like this – the frequency of my nods increases with my impatience.
As you might imagine, in my attempts to nod fervently to show that I understand and I relate, I only end up communicating that I don’t really understand what is being communicated. So, the effectiveness of the conversation plummets.
It isn’t easy for me to “solve” my impatience. It is a flip side of some of my biggest strengths. But, it becomes easier to deal with it specific unproductive tendencies like this one by becoming more aware of them.
One step at a time.
