“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” ~ Robert McCloskey
We all view and interpret what goes on in the world differently based, on our own set of beliefs, experiences, role/job. The meaning of communication is the response that it gets. All of this means that our messages are not what we think they mean, but rather what others think we mean.
Research suggests that 80% of problems occurring in a business context are communication issues. Mainly a result of, vague interpretation of vague communications. That's a staggering amount, wouldn't you agree? It would also suggest that there is a lot to be gained by improving communications.
The extensive use of email, websites and other electronic communication methods may make communication faster but it also creates a lot more ways to have the message misunderstood. Given these technologies are here to stay and are a cost effective way to communicate, it just means crafting the message becomes that much more important.
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place. ~ George Bernard Shaw
The best things you can do to make sure people hear the message you want them to is to:
1. Know who your target audience is for the specific message you want to share - it's not you! This is no different to advertising. Every business invests in advertising - understanding who the target market is and finding the right message and format to attract that target and have them 'buy'. Yet we often don't even consider this to be in any way similar to trying to communicate internally.
2. Make sure the ideas and information you what to communicate are tangible and have a shared meaning - You can't rely on people getting the subtle implied meanings. If you are going to use slang or jargon then it has to be something that your target audience can relate to and understand. Stories, analogies, metaphors are all great ways to communicate messages. People look at the characters in a story and identify with the traits that they have (courage, risk taking, compassion, leadership etc.). The stories don't need to be from books or the movies (although often they are great to use), they can be from the 'history' of your business and people within it.
3. Choose the right medium to communicate, not just the easiest but the most effective for the message you want to deliver.
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