My 4-year-old has begun noticing signs wherever he goes. He will point out all manner of signs on the road, in buildings and on vehicles. Not knowing the names of the signs and with his strong personality, he insists on naming them with HIS words and expressions. So, he calls a speed bump an ‘up and down’ and a sign indicating a restriction (for example a cigarette with a diagonal line running through it) as an ‘umhmmm’, with a shake of his head and finger.
My son reminds me that effective communication is simple, tailored to the audience, and results in understanding. As leaders we sometimes communicate in a way that focuses less on ensuring that our audience is adequately engaged and understands, and more on demonstrating OUR understanding of a subject, and controlling the conversation. We like to use phrases that validate our control and make us feel good. Some of my favourites are: –
“let’s not boil the ocean on this one”
“Let’s peel the onion on this analysis”
“Are you winning?”
These phrases might make sense to some audiences but means nothing to others. While it is often said, it is true that effective communication begins with a good understanding of your audience. Getting to know your audience includes listening, understanding their frame of reference, and noting what words THEY use to communicate. So, until my son knows otherwise, speed bumps will be ‘up and downs’. Also, it is way more fun shouting “up and down!” each time we go over a speed bump!