Have you ever driven down the road and approached a sign that makes you giggle because you know that the true message of the sign has been lost in translation? It’s obvious that the sign, often laden with mixed messages, does not really communicate its intended purpose.
It’s in those moments that I choose to believe the person making or placing the sign was probably in such a hurry to get the task done that they forgot to step back and make sure it communicated what they truly wanted.
So often the messages we are sending to those around us are clear in our minds but not always clear to the person on the other end.
And when we assume that everyone on the team is on the same page or they “know” what temperature we are trying to set, it’s easy for the communication to break down.
If you can relate, consider asking these three questions:
- Is your message accurate? Does it communicate what really is going on?
- Is it clear? Can the person on the other end quickly and easily get it?
- And is it connected? Is it linked to human beings and to the bigger mission and culture you are trying to create?
As you think about leveraging your core values as a tool, you have to make sure the messages you’re sending are accurate, clear and connected.
Jason V. Barger is a globally celebrated keynote speaker, leadership coach and author of Thermostat Cultures, Step Back from the Baggage Claim and ReMember. He is founder of Step Back Leadership Consulting, a Columbus-based company that works with businesses and organizations worldwide. Connect with Jason online at www.JasonVBarger.com, via email at jason@JasonVBarger.com or on social media at @JasonVBarger.
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