Clarify, Clarify, Clarify

What's your biggest communication mistake?

Mine is often assuming that my message has been understood, or that I understand what someone else is saying when we actually do not have a meeting of the minds. Whatever causes it, assumptions take over and the water gets muddy. Miscommunication creates more miscommunication. We end up getting excited about things that don't matter and forgetting what does.

I've learned to clarify. Clarify the intent. Clarify the meaning. Clarify the context. Clarify the request.

Clarify, clarify, clarify -- the muddy water makes you sick.

Know what you've said is heard, and what you've heard is what was said.

Clarify.

-- Doug Smith

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High Performance Leadership

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