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Casual Communication

James McGinty HeadshotDo you always think really deeply before you communicate an idea?

In every day conversation, we don’t always have time for deep thought.   Consequently a lot of what we say, while on message, can be quite weak and diluted.

I was recently carrying out some consultancy work for a big city firm.  Going by the conversations I overheard, it was clear that one supplier was not fulfilling my client’s needs. The discussion became quite heated and eventually the manager said.  “I think it’s time to change suppliers”.  Everyone agreed and the hubbub died down.

A month later, I went back into the same office and found the same heated discussion, about the same supplier, still raging. Although it wasn’t part of my remit I was intrigued and spoke to the manager.  He was furious that the problem hadn’t been resolved as he had told his team to change supplier. Had he thought really deeply about the situation he would have realised that he hadn’t actually told anyone anything, he had just made a comment about it being time to change suppliers.

Instead of the throwaway comment he should have gone to his office, spent a few minutes thinking and sent an email or memo stating that he wanted the supplier to be changed, who he wanted to action this and a deadline for getting it done. Casual communication causes confusion.

Take some time out to think and then make a good clear positive statement. For more advice on Communication Skills Check out my book.  “It IS what you say”