To communicate well it is important to be clear, in order for the person you are communicating with to have any chance of understanding you. For 5 years I lived in Southern India. Driving to various places often meant asking local people for directions. One of the local sayings was that you needed to ask 3 different people to have any chance of getting the right directions! After trying the alleged shortcuts I learnt quickly not to rely on them usually they took longer! It could also be that I didn’t understand the instructions I was being given.
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you are unclear what your colleague, line manager wants you to do? A lot of time and money can be lost because you don’t take the time to be clear about what you expect.
Clarity comes down to a few principles which if followed will mean things are done faster, the people around you are happier and you are less frustrated at the seeming incompetence of your team members.
“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.”
Lee Iacocca
It is a mistake to believe that just because you have said something you have communicated. Communication requires much more intentionality. Words pass through different filters in the minds of those you are trying to communicate with dependent not just on your words, but your tone of voice and body language.
“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It\’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you\’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” Brian Tracy
Thank you, Brian Tracy. Good news you can learn how to communicate.
Tips for Clear Communication
Understand that the way you see the world is not the only way of seeing the world.
Be clear on the goal of your communication – what outcome do you want?
Be clear about what you want to communicate and why you want to communicate it.
Be straight in your Communication – some of what you communicate is confidential if not then give people the tools to deal with difficult communication when it comes up.
Keep it simple.
Finally…
Listen, be present and ask questions for understanding.
A shorter one this week and hopefully you can avoid the illusion George Bernard Shaw is talking about here:
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Stay safe.
