#017: There’s no such thing as over-communication

In a world bustling with information and interaction, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we've said enough, only to find our messages lost in translation. As George Bernard Shaw once wisely said, "the biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place."?

But here's the twist - there's no such thing as over-communication; only overuse of one particular channel: email.??

If you’ve ever wondered why it seems like your messages fall on deaf ears, even when you've repeated them tirelessly, it's because you're often the only one "in the room" when you speak. It can feel like you’ve said something 100 times, but I can guarantee they’ll be someone in your business who hasn’t heard you say it at all.?

Add to this these eye-opening statistics: only 3% of people grasp a message the first time, and even the brightest minds (6% of intelligent people) still need to hear it twice before they truly "get it." It’s no wonder we encounter confusion and resistance to change when our communication isn't up to par.?

Change works when everyone is pointing in the same direction, and communication is the key that unlocks that unity.?

The theme of this month’s newsletter – communication, communication, communication! Delivered in three short tips, two things I’ve liked and one call to action.??

3 short tips?

1. Get clear on your three key messages?

When you’re passionate about what you want to achieve, there is often a tendency to talk at length and in detail about the change programme. This can make it very difficult for people to understand what is expected of them. Keep your communication simple: be clear about the three things that people need to know.?

Bring your key messages to life with examples and be confident in pausing to allow space for people to ask questions.?

2. Use different forms of communication to share your message?

We all absorb information in different ways – through reading, listening, and watching. Bear this in mind when planning how you will communicate with the people in your business.??

Utilise face-to-face communication, such as daily stand-up meetings and all-staff briefings, and the written word, including newsletters and yes, email. Additionally, consider video – a medium that gained popularity during the pandemic. Record short videos or staff briefings to turn a one-off communication into one that can be re-used.?

3. Ask for feedback?

Communication is a two-way process. Offer people opportunities to make comments and ask questions in real-time and follow up with them for feedback afterwards. ?

Bear in mind not everyone is comfortable speaking in front of others, and many may need to digest and process the information before they can provide feedback. Use smaller team meetings and one-to-ones to ask people for their thoughts and to address their questions. ?

It’s through feedback that you’ll discover whether your message has landed.?

2 things I have liked:?

1. HBR article on how great leaders communicate?

“Anything worth accomplishing takes the work of a team, a group of people dedicated to the passionate pursuit of a dream, a common vision. While some teams follow leaders who are granted power through sheer title alone, the most successful teams follow leaders because they are?inspired?to do so.” – Carmine Gallo?

You can read the article here.

2. “Bribe them with donuts”?

There’s a time for tenacity, but sometimes there’s nothing quite like a well-timed doughnut. Food possesses a unique dialect and has been known to bridge gaps, mend fences, and inspire unity. A well-timed and unexpected treat might just be the key to forging stronger connections and building a harmonious team.?

1 Call-To-Action?

Work out how effective your existing communication is by watching what people are doing. Is it what you expected? If it isn’t, use the tips within this newsletter to communicate in a different way.?

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Enjoy the newsletter? Forward it to a friend. It only takes 10 seconds and I’d really appreciate it. Thank you. ??

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