Open and honest communication

If you are clear and perceived as open and honest in the way you communicate, there is a good chance that the person with whom you are communicating will feel like reciprocating, leading to an open and honest dialogue (‘flow of meaning’- Greek).

Apart from anything else, being clear, open and honest gives the impression of authenticity and integrity, essential foundations for true collaboration.

Open and honest communication leads more quickly to a mutual understanding and respect for a difference in views, interests and needs.

Where forgiveness or an apology is being sought, openness and honesty are a prerequisite.

Simply put, being open and honest builds a sense of self-worth. It is about being moral, truthful to yourself and with others.

Family mediation sessions

For these reasons and many more, at the beginning of my mediations, I often talk to my mediation clients about the importance of everyone believing and feeling that they are about to be part of an open, honest dialogue, whatever the differences being discussed.

It is an antidote to feeling anxious and vulnerable, as mediation begins.