Over-communicating is Under-rated

Don't over-eat. Try not to over-do it when you exercise. And for heaven's sake, don't over-extend your credit.

But when it comes to communication...well, that's another matter.

I was at a client's facility the other day and they had posters in every building that said, "Around here, we over-communicate." It's one of their values.

I have an executive coaching client who has "Over-communicate with my manager" as one of the tactics in his action plan. Why? Because his manager wants to be "in the know" on important things. Not to micro-manage or meddle, but to be in the loop, on top of things. No surprises.

George Bernard Shaw was picking up on the need for over-communication when he said, "The single biggest problem in communications is the illusion that it has taken place."

• Leaders mistakenly think sometimes that if they've said something once, it's communicated. Employees heard it. They understood it. And they accepted it. In reality, they couldn't be more wrong. Until hearing something numerous times, most of us are clueless about what was even said, much less meant.

The more important the issue or topic of conversation, the more important it is to over-communicate. Keep these basic truths in mind:

• Simplify your message. The key to effective communications is simplicity. Don't use five sentences if two will do. Make simplicity and clarity your friends.
• Seek a response. The key to effective communication is dialogue, not a series of monologues. How will you know if your message is getting through if you don't watch and listen for the response to your words?  Listen with your heart.

Eliminate the scourge of assumptions. Over-communicate!

Photo on flickr by david samuel