Having lived in a desert climate for over three years now, I definitely require a visit to physical places with water and vegetation once in a while. More pressing, though, is my need for mental oases—refreshing conversations, thoughts, and states of mind. This need is something that I believe everyone can relate to, regardless of the physical environment they live in.
This week, Weaving Influence is proud to support the launch of a book that helps us to find oases in, of all places, our professional lives! Oasis Conversations: Leading with an Open Mindset to Maximize Potential, by Ann Van Eron, teaches us how to be emotionally and socially intelligent while outlining a practical pathway to positive and productive relationships.
As a Ph.D., MCC, and founder and principal of Potentials, a global executive coaching and organization development consulting firm, Ann has worked coaching leaders, teams, and coaches all over the world for over twenty-five years. She is certified as a Master Coach and has a doctorate in Organization Psychology from Columbia University.
The Book
Are you an open-minded person? Of course you are! It’s other people who are the problem, right? Sometimes trying to communicate with them is frustrating, drains your energy, and feels nearly impossible. But guess what? Those people think they are open-minded too, and they probably think you’re the problem.
What if you could turn the desert of miscommunication that exists into an oasis where you can have refreshing conversations that will lead to empathy, insight, and reach mutually beneficial agreements? In OASIS Conversations, Ann Van Eron draws on scientific brain research and her years of coaching experience to teach readers a process to achieving mind-opening connections with others.
Why OASIS Conversations?
Team Buzz Builder member Lisa Kosak explains the premise of the book in her thorough Amazon review:
Why an “oasis” conversation? An oasis is obviously a gleaming lush area in a remote place. Ann is referencing “something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I would love all of my conversations to be free of conflict or misunderstandings. An “oasis” conversation brings to mind an experience of calm, collaboration, and peacefulness. Dr. Van Eron offers a 5 step process for creating the perfect environment in which to bring collaboration, come to agreement, find solutions, and empower those involved. By inserting these principles into your next conversation at work or home, you will have more effective and productive conversations that leave everyone feeling empowered and involved.
O – OBSERVATION: Slow down at look at the data and don’t jump to conclusions. Reduce your defensiveness and try to blur your own background and influences to taint the conversation.
A – AWARENESS: Be mindful of your assumptions and manage your emotions and personal views. Remain open to interaction by suspending any judgment.
S – SHIFT: Step back from reacting and shift to being open to other possibilities. This may be very challenging to do. You may need to count to 10 or bite your lip. Start practicing positive intent and keep your calm. At all costs, keep your strategies to yourself until you can converse.
I – Importance: Examine what is important to all those involved and create a true “oasis” of understanding and agreement. Don’t just jump to conclusions and try to rely on these 4 skills – mirroring one another, empathy, ask empowering questions, and notice the type of interaction you are having (telling, selling, and getting).
S – Solution: If you guide your conversations including the elements above you will successfully identify options, strategies, and agree on solutions.
Tempted by the refreshing waters?
- Visit the OASIS Conversations Web Page
- Buy OASIS Conversations on Amazon
- Connect with Ann Van Eron on Facebook and Twitter
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Margy Kerr-Jarrett enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in nature with her husband and daughter. Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Margy has been living in Jerusalem, Israel for the past three years.
Thank you..