Poor Communication

Communication is the medium in which work gets done. Communication problems, therefore, not only cause delays but also disasters. How many times have we heard, “…but I thought you said…” followed by what was not said. The worst time killer of all is the supervisory game Guess-What-Is-On-My-Mind! It is left to the supervisee to guess what is to be done and how best to do it.

A simple direct expression can save time. But communication is a two-way street. The listener must make sure she properly understands what the speaker wants. The four rules for improving communication are:

• Listen attentively – Don’t multi-task when you should be listening. Just listen.
• Clarify assumptions – Write out the assumptions you are making and e-mail, send a memo, or talk with the person who can clarify them.
• Choose words carefully – Words are the transporting vehicles in communication. Select them carefully and be willing to clarify definitions.
• Ask for feedback – After you express yourself, ask the other person to tell you what he heard. You may hear what you didn’t intend to say!