CircleBridge bookAdapt communication with integrity
Good intentions do not guarantee that another person feels understood. Kiera’s account asks readers to notice the gap between self-perception and their actual effect in relationships. Adapting communication means attending to a particular person’s preferences, rather than assigning a style to everyone in a cultural group. Her story also makes clear that growth at work and growth at home are connected. The skills practiced with colleagues can reshape family conversations, and the difficulty of family conversations can deepen professional reflection.
A practice to try
Ask a colleague whether they prefer time to think, a written outline, or a conversation before responding. Use the preference in your next exchange, then ask whether it helped.
School or classroom
Offer more than one way to prepare and contribute to discussion.
University or college
Clarify how a student prefers to receive feedback before assuming one approach serves everyone.
Organization or community
Provide an agenda in advance and invite both written and spoken contributions.
Reflection questions from the book
Navigating Political Differences
Keira reflects on the difficulty of navigating political differences, particularly within her family, and the tension between her internal frustration and outward kindness. Reflect on a time when you faced a similar challenge. How did you balance your feelings with the desire to maintain a positive relationship? What strategies did you use (or could you have used) to express your perspective while respecting the other person’s?
Personal and Professional Growth
Keira discusses how tools like the IDI have helped her grow both personally and professionally. Think about a tool or experience that has shaped your understanding of yourself or your interactions with others. How has it impacted your relationships, work, or sense of self? How do you ensure that your personal growth positively influences your professional contributions?
Acknowledging Individual Needs
Keira emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting to individual differences, such as how her sister-in-law Sarah prefers a different style of communication. Reflect on a time when you had to adjust your approach to better connect with someone. How did recognizing their unique needs change the dynamic of your relationship or conversation? What did you learn about adaptability from that experience?
Bridging the Gap Between Perception and Reality
The IDI highlighted for Keira the gap between how she perceives herself and how she actually engages with the world. Reflect on a moment when your selfperception didn’t align with feedback or results you received. How did you respond to that realization? What steps can you take to align your intentions with your actions in a way that fosters authenticity and growth?
Companion guidance by Scott Simpson and Sharla Steever. Consult the book alongside these resources; activities and summaries do not replace the complete book.