In the previous blog, we introduced the concept of clearings to enhance emotional connections. Now, let’s explore the significance of being honest about feelings and how it contributes to fostering deep connections.

Honesty in Expressing Feelings

While active listening is vital, being truthful about your feelings regarding the speaker’s statements is equally crucial. Tactfully sharing your perspective or suggesting alternatives can contribute to a healthy exchange of ideas. However, it’s acceptable not to agree with everything, especially if it may be harmful.

Story: A Lesson in Honesty and Support

I was facilitating a program in a company out of state at a transit company. I had taught the members of the company to do clearings. I had twenty-eight people in my program, and they learned how to clear in half a minute to where they were. Someone might need a minute and that was planned into my design for the program.

I went to this company for in-person meetings every six weeks and the rest of the time provided coaching sessions on Zoom with them. This particular day we were halfway through the group of clearings and the next person stated, “I have just learned that my mother has cancer, and she is at the hospital involved in a number of tests.” Her mother knew that we had the program that morning and she wanted her to come to work, since she could not do anything during the time of the tests. She then started crying and all of us waited till she was able to speak again.

One man had already given his clearing; however, he asked to speak. He was head of the transit services that ran 24 hours a day. He said to her that he would take her to the hospital after we finished the program and she was to call the night supervisor, who would be informed that he was to pick her up and take her home. Then as the other members of the company did their clearings, they spoke to her and acknowledged what she had said. One of the men was head of maintenance for the buses, and said, “I live two doors down from you, so I knew about your mother. We have your car in our shop, and we will fix it today. I will have one of my mechanics follow me to your house so we can take your car home when it is fixed. He can take me back to get my car so I can get home.”

Another person cleared and said to her, “You were nominated to be the representative for administration for our mediation meetings, since we have learned from Dr. Rainosek how to mediate between all our areas of our company—administration, transit, maintenance and planning. We have a meeting mediation meeting today and we will reschedule so you can be at the meeting.”

I decided to have them take a break and during that time the CEO of the company conveyed to her how they would continue to support her as she went through the challenges of her mother’s illness.

Hear the rest of story in in next blog.

There are more stories I could tell you from being a consultant for organizations for over 47 years that would convey what I have described in this story. Clearings are one approach to developing emotional intelligence and connection. The more employees know how to be clear with themselves the more the company thrives and succeeds beyond what they have done before.

Honesty about feelings created a supportive environment, leading to an efficient and emotionally present meeting. It showcased how expressing feelings honestly contributes to a positive and connected work environment.

In the next blog, we’ll explore the power of clearings in resolving conflicts and creating a supportive workplace culture.