Spaces 02: "Coms are Down"

Clear delegation isn't the same as clear direction

Communication breakdowns occur when we think we couldn’t be clearer. This isn’t because we are unclear, per se, but because we assume that clear delegation is the same as clear direction.

Our colleagues might understand that they’re delegated a task, but do they understand why? Effective communication gives direction, which can be as simple as describing the value a project brings within a greater context.

Our kids might understand that they need to clean their room, but if they’re never shown what clean looks like, they won’t know to what standard of clean they’re expected to meet.

And lastly, we need to give ourselves direction, too. We do this by understanding our own curiosities and own values and using them in service of others through whatever medium gives us purpose: writing, art, music, podcasting, volunteering, team leadership, entrepreneurship, helping others become entrepreneurs. We can’t hope to communicate and connect with others without first doing it well between our own ears.