I have been writing quite a bit lately about the mechanics of identity and frameworks, but I wanted to spotlight the importance of communication. While much of my work is centered on brand strategies, these principles are universal. They are just as relevant to a family or a local community as they are to a boardroom.
I truly believe that most people have good intentions at heart. In our own particular contexts, our motives are usually aligned. Yet, how many times have we been left without any word, only to assume conclusions that are far from the reality? We ruminate on a decision for days, only to have it resolved in minutes once we finally sit down and speak. As humans, we are social beings. Everything we do is based on relationships, and we cannot relate if the communication is missing.
In business, this is no different. We communicate to delegate, to request, and to mitigate risks. No matter how skillful or capable an individual is, moving forward is impossible without asserting positions and ideas. Communication is the binder that turns individual efforts into a network capable of moving mountains.
However, not communicating is often better than communicating badly. Effective communication is a skill that requires us to consider how our receiver perceives the message. It is our job to adjust the tone and style to ensure the intent is received correctly. Whether we are dealing with one person or a large community, we must curate our message to bridge the gap.
