Stealth Communication– I’m just sayin’…

Communication: I’m not sure that word means what you think it means…

First, that phrase in the subtitle above – “I’m just sayin” – drives me nuts. I hate it.

Now that I feel better for sharing…

A diversity consulting firm called The Novations Group, apparently surveyed a couple thousand managers, and concluded that managers were poor communicators. For this, they seem to want acclaim…

I’m kidding.

To this, I say “hmmmm…”

Nonetheless, there is some very apparent truth here.

We all rely way too much on email. Email is great for simple information/data sharing. It breaks down when we try to have conversations, include emotion.

Or the worst: we try to manage by email.

Walk down the hall or pick up the damned phone. Email is the worst medium on the planet for any communication requiring acknowledged understanding, purposeful dialog, or meaning other than the simple written word. There is no defined ‘subtlety’ in emails.

And managers shouldn’t use it as a proxy.

Another pox on communication occurred while we were gutting mid-management from organizations. In flattening org charts, we forgot that most on-the-ground communications with employees was done with middle managers. Today, they are either extinct or a bit harried from the evolution of their jobs.

Further, much of what we as leaders do has at least a measure of confidentiality. Next thing you know, we’re acting like everything we say and do is some state secret.

It isn’t, and you know it. Loosen the information purse strings and share some of that stuff. It matters.

The problem, of course, is in the absence of communication, our employees fill in all the details, blanks, and relevant information themselves. From spotty knowledge, connecting rumor dots, or simply making it up as they go.

None bodes well for us while trying to lead an organization in this age.

I’m just sayin’…