
Communication is a Process
“The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven’t thought of yet.”
~ Ann Landers
Communication…it’s vital for all organizations. And like most things, communication is a process. It starts with the sender who chooses to send a message. Words are chosen and we speak it, write it, or model it. The receiver then has to process the words to understand. Then, if we are lucky, the receiver responds/feeds back to the sender that they received the message and they understand it OR they ask questions to clarify their understanding of the message.
Communication is a process and the better I do it, the better we are. The worst thing I can do is assume everyone knows or remembers my messages. I help serve my team by giving them opportunities to practice our communication process.
TIP: I will often let our team members lead the employee meetings where we make announcements. I have them give the announcements, share the information, and give the details. It helps them remember the message and it helps them become more comfortable with our communication process.
“Communication is not about speaking what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean.” ~ Simon Sinek
Keep it simple. We learn by doing. Let them do it.
Jeff