Cherish The Possibilities

Communication.  It's a much "communicated about" topic.  (Hey's that's clever, right!)  Communication occurs everywhere, every day by mostly everybody.  It happens at home, at school, at the office, in business meetings, on the playground, (oh wait...a business meeting is often a playground ).  Nevertheless, communication occurs everywhere.

Communication is a powerful topic.  We are all told we should do it well.  Much has been written and taught on it.  There is however one fundamental problem with communicaqtion and that is very often, it's not done very well at all.  The question is why?  There could indeed be so very many reasons, but one reason that is certain is the simple fact that many don't really know specifically what defines communication. 

I think there are two (2) types of communication.  One is communication;  the other is Good Communication.  Many engage in communication; fewer engage in Good Communication.  What then is the difference?  Different "experts" share a different definition, so let me share mine.  I believe Good Communication is when two or more parties engage in verbal or written dialogue with each other in order to convey and receive a point of view.  This sounds easy enough don't you think?  So why then is it so hard to do?

You have the conversation, write the memo, make the phone call, and say what you need to say in the meeting.  You think others understand your point, then bingo! The outcome is totally different than what was intended by your communication.  What happened?  What went wrong?  Why didn't they understand what you meant?

Here are a couple simple points I think can change communication into Good Communication. 

     1.  Be sure YOU really know what point you are trying to make.
     2.  Tailor your communication according to your audience.  (Hint--Don't speak in a way
           your audience won't understand.)
     3.   Ask follow-up questions to make sure you are really being understood.
     4.   Make a point to really focus on understanding the recipient's reaction to your 
           communication.
     5.  Try to end the communication with a mutually satisfying conclusion.

I know you've heard some of this before.  But, perhaps this time, instead of just hearing it, you might really try to implement it.  I KNOW I WILL....

Until next time....sas