Communication Appreciation

By Destiny Keesling

For productive relationships at work, home, or school, communication is key! That might sound cliche, but it is imperative that we are able to share our thoughts, feelings, and intentions with those around us. In my personal experience, I’ve found that miscommunication was the culprit behind a vast majority of my problems. As a manager or supervisor in the workplace, if I assign a task to my employees, it is essential that I give clear instructions and expectations. Now that might seem like it goes without saying, but it actually applies in both directions. As a subordinate, if my boss gives me a task but I don’t fully understand what is required, it is crucial that I make that clear; or else I am ill-equipped for the job. I have noticed that people are sometimes reluctant to ask questions or request clarification when, in reality, it can save time and confusion. The same is true for home and school relationships. If your partner at home has needs or expectations, there’s no way for you to know that unless they are communicated to you! If you’ve ever had a group project at school, you have probably realized the importance of collaborating with your group members to share the workload. I’ll leave you with this: Remember that most people can’t read minds. Clear communication makes us more effective leaders, teammates, and spouses.