Taming the Four Horsemen: Communication Skills for Women Entrepreneurs

The battlefield of entrepreneurship is tough, and if you're a woman in this arena, it can be even more challenging. Amidst the chaos of balancing work-life dynamics, managing an online presence, and making critical decisions, relationships (especially with clients) often take a backseat.

When communication in these relationships starts to falter, four ominous figures emerge on the horizon—the Gottmans' Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

According to Drs. John and Julie Gottman's extensive research on marital stability, these horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are predictors of relationship failure.

But fear not! 

…I have a point on how this applies to client communication!

Hypnotherapy & Coaching Communication Skills for Women

With awareness and effective strategies you can access, you can tame these horsemen and foster healthier relationships both personally and professionally.

1. Criticism:

I'm not talking about voicing concerns - this involves attacking someone's character or personality.

Instead of saying, "You never listen," try, "I feel unheard when I speak about my ideas."

2. Contempt:

It’s disrespect shown through sarcasm or cynicism that belittles your partner or colleague.

To counteract contempt, build an environment of appreciation where everyone’s contribution is valued.

3. Defensiveness:

When we feel accused unjustly, our natural response is to defend ourselves, which often escalates the conflict further.

Instead of defending yourself immediately upon receiving feedback or criticism, pause for a moment to consider its validity.

4. Stonewalling:

This happens when we emotionally withdraw from interaction during conflict situations instead of confronting them head-on with open communication channels.

Now that we've identified these horsemen, let's explore some practical tips on how women entrepreneurs can keep them at bay:

- Practice Active Listening:

Often in conversations, we’re so focused on what we want to say next that we fail to truly listen to what others are saying now.

- Cultivate Emotional Intelligence:

Being aware of, understanding and managing your emotions can greatly enhance your communication skills.

- Use "I" Statements:

Instead of saying, "You are wrong," say, "I disagree with this point because..."

Remember, effective communication is about a lot more than just speaking - it's also about listening and understanding. It's about fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.

It’s like diffusing a ticking time bomb before it explodes, causing irreparable damage.

As women entrepreneurs, taming these four horsemen will improve your personal relationships and create a more harmonious work environment, leading to increased productivity and success.

Try these strategies for a week or two and observe the changes in your interactions. 

I'd love to help you keep those horsemen at bay with my specially tailored hypnotherapy and coaching packages!

With love,

Jenna

P.S. Did you know hypnotherapy can help you confidently navigate conflict and confrontation in business situations?