Communication is something we all talk about but are sometimes remiss in doing. A family member changes plans and forgets to let you know so you are left anticipating one outcome and another occurs. A team member fails to communicate a key factor in a project which leaves information and results falling through the cracks. A conference attendee fails to notice a change in venue and shows up for an event that is at another time or place.

We are all guilty at one time or another of failing to communicate. Communication also may mean one thing to you and another to someone else. You like detail, detail, detail, and they think they have communicated by osmosis. How can this be rectified? One way is to make it clear when someone fails to communicate up to your expectations. If you don’t tell them they may go merrily on their way thinking all is well.

Sometimes communication is manipulation. We see that in politics, family and business on many occasions. I communicate one thing about a health care plan, while supporting another. I talk of no tax while imposing tax, families talk of love and demonstrate manipulation by pretense, businesses post signs about their cleanliness and you find untoward imaginings in the back room or behind the counter. Clear, honest communication is critical to any relationship, project or business.

A clear plan at the beginning of a project that is communicated to all team members is critical to success. It doesn’t have to be a Microsoft plan with all the bells and whistles, but even a basic excel plan with the results expected and timelines provides a good foundation for success.

Ask yourself, where have you failed to communicate and how might you change this in the future? Family, Friends, Teammates? Look around and see where you can improve and then make a plan to do it. That’s it a communication plan, hmmmm why didn’t I think of that?