“You look like I could use a drink.”
– Lyric from Jason D. Williams‘ song of the same title…
Oh, we think we know, but we don’t. We go in to that conversation just “knowing” how the other person is going to react or what they’re going to say or how they’re going to interpret our message.
Problem is, until we know, we don’t know. So, it can be too easy to get lazy and just anticipate the outcome. In other words, since we “know,” we don’t prepare.
Of course we need to understand the other party’s perspective, as best we can. But, even if “she’s lookin’ at you like you should be lookin’ for someplace else to stay,” it’s dangerous to assume.
Ever.
That said, communication is the responsibility of the sender, so if there are gaps in your message, or if there are subtleties that leave too much open to interpretation, take time to refine the message before you roll it out. And when you do, go forward with ears at the ready and the knowledge that you don’t really know what’s going to happen next, until you do.
Make a difference today!
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