Needs No Translation
I just returned from Korea where I conducted a trainer certification workshop for seven trainers from CJ, one of the largest companies in Korea. It was a fascinating experience for many reasons. I trained in English and someone simultaneously translated into Korean for the participants. When the trainees delivered their final presentations, they used Korean while someone translated their words into English for me.
Because I relied much more on non-verbal communication to follow what was happening, I become hyper-aware of subtle body language and facial cues, as well as tone, pitch, and pacing of voices. When the translation followed, I often had already realized the meaning—the verbal translation just confirmed what had already been communicated through non-verbal communication. To stay completely attuned to the participants, I found that I relied much more on intuition and emotion; as a result, I felt relaxed, authentic, and open throughout the week. I have been analyzing the whole experience for some personal lessons that I'd like to share with you:
1. The personal connections during a class are at least as important as the content being delivered.
2. Listen more deeply to get behind the words being used—often that deeper meaning is where the greatest communication occurs.
3. Turn off any defensiveness at critical comments being expressed; breath deeply and stay tuned in to the person speaking.
4. Assume that others have good intentions.
5. Personal needs for recognition, to be right, to win approval, to impress others, etc. are the same the world over. Strive to meet those needs in healthy ways.
6. Love and appreciate the people in class with you. They are worthy of your respect.
My thoughts....what would you add?
Comments
One thing I believe strongly is that everyone likes to know they are being listened to and not just talked at. A great suggestion to make people feel included, respected and important is to focus on asking them questions (particularly open-ended Q's) to get them opening up. It builds trust, candor and warmth. That old adage "Seek first to understand before seeking to be understood" is as important today as ever.
Posted by: Tim Jones | February 7, 2006 08:58 PM
Working with a group of learners who are entirely different than you can be quite a lesson in what it feels like to be a minority while in a majority of others. It humbles you, inspires you, transforms you and helps you focus on needing and wanting to be clearer and meaningful.
Posted by: Carole Weinstein | February 9, 2006 01:44 AM
When we show how much we care and we come from the heart, language and culture are no longer obstacles. I was sitting on a park bench years ago when a woman sat down beside me. She spoke only Portuguese and seemed desperate to communicate with me. Between my limited knowledge of Spanish and my desire to help her, I ascertained that she was being held against her will by a Brazilian family living in our neighborhood. I involved the appropriate authorities and she was set free to return home to Brazil. I remembered this lesson of understanding from the heart when I certified trainers in Romania a few years ago. Their fears and concerns were quickly abated when they saw how much I cared about them. You are absolutely right, Cindy; the language of the heart needs no translation.
Posted by: Elys Brewda | February 23, 2006 12:01 AM