I was meeting with a founder of a non-profit organization. In listening to their goals, aspirations, and realities, a theme around challenges arose. Communication impacts relationships and outcomes.

In all relationships, communication is an essential factor. Whether at work with colleagues, employees, customers, and other stakeholders like board members or volunteers, and in personal life, whether with a loved one, a friend, or other connections.

Many people assume communication is a basic skill. And yet, communication is a challenge for most of us.

How does communication show up as a challenge? Below are some examples.

• Not being open or transparent, ultimately creating a divide between people and eroding trust
• Listening to respond, rather than listening to understand
• Engaging in conflict in less than useful ways. Imagine the result when conflict is avoided rather than met with a goal to resolve it.
• Not being clear with expectations – ultimately creating confusion leading to less-than-optimal results
• Lacking the ability to provide effective feedback, whether positive or constructive, losing out on the opportunity to help someone learn and/or grow.

When listening to the non-profit founder, the frustration shared was around engaging their board members and their volunteers. This was worth exploring for me personally for the following reasons.

• I always look to assist others
• Helping others to improve communication is a passion of mine.
• I have been on boards and committees where communication was not direct, expectations were not clear, and I was unhappy as a result. When serving on these types of committees or boards, my goal is to offer value, and without clear, open, and healthy communication, a disconnect can be present, and trust is not high.

What has your experience been with communication at work, on your team, in your volunteer work, or in your personal life? Where do you see opportunities to improve?

Whether you want to work on your own communication skills, would like to drive improved communication, connection, and outcomes on your team, or serve on a board that you recognize has the opportunity for better communication, let’s connect.  

“An absence of effective communication will ultimately lead to conflict.” – John Hoover