Monday, August 4, 2008
The Root of All Evil?
You've probably heard it said, "Money is the root of all evil". First off, to me that's obviously not true. Money is behind a lot of wrongs, but not all of them.
I present another candidate. I don't think it's the root of ALL evil, but I think it at least gives money a tough time for first place. This thing is miscommunication.
You probably see examples of this all around you. I know I certainly do. At my work, miscommunications are at the foundation at probably 90% of the issues there (and there's a lot of junk going on). And, it's evident anywhere else you turn.
And, it's an even harder problem to solve than money. Money has a simple solution: don't be controlled by it. Of course, that's much easier said than done, but it's definitely possible.
But how does one solve miscommunications? I have searched for years and have yet to find a solution. There are certainly ways to help decrease the number of them (such as assuming the best or true listening or repeating things back) but there is no foolproof way to solve all miscommunications.
What can be done after it happens? Only thing I know of: apologize. Even if you don't think it's your fault, still apologize. And, be sincere about it. One thing that includes is to not expect anything in return. Miscommunications are no one's fault and thus also everyone's fault. At least I have yet to come across one that someone is not at fault at all.
Challenge:
Today's challenge is simply to think. Answer these two questions: What has being right ever gotten you? And, what has being right ever cost you? And then answer the real question: Were the costs really worth it?
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