Month: October 2020

Have you noticed that talking with someone through a mask is difficult? Since 50% of our body language is communicated through our facial expressions, having a mask cover about 50% of the face severely inhibits our ability to communicate and connect with others and vice versa. It’s maddening.

When wearing a mask, we all need to slow down our cadence to speak more clearly and articulately, really connect through eye contact and put more energy into our voice so that we are speaking louder and with more energy. Trying to understand someone through a mask is especially difficult for those of us with a hearing impairment.

Since it seems that we will be wearing masks for many months to come, make a conscious effort to communicate effectively. Now more than ever we need to lean into kindness, patience and humanity, and truly listen to others.

During this time of disruption due to the pandemic, you’ve probably heard friends and family talk about getting things back to “normal”. I know I have. But what is normal? Maybe instead of yearning to “go back to normal” we embrace this disruptive period and turn it into something positive. When you look back at 2020, will you remember specific positive changes that you have made in your life, your work and/or your relationships? What have you achieved? How have you used your time? Have you learned a new skill, adopted a new, positive habit or made a change at work? Don’t waste this disruption to reevaluate where you are and where you want to go, personally and professionally.