The Power of Communication
Lesson 9: Communication Works for Those Who Work at It.
The Bible in Proverbs 18:21 talks about the power of life and death lying in the tongue. I love the Amplified Version, which emphasizes that “those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” While this may sound literal, the Bible isn’t just talking about verbal communication. Taking this into the broader perspective of communication, how we communicate—or fail to communicate—says a lot about us.
J.K. Rowling aptly observed, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it.” Communication is indeed a double-edged sword; it can build bridges or burn them down.
In recent years, I’ve come to appreciate the power of communication, especially in managing conflict. At the start of my career, I struggled with conflict resolution, often finding myself in situations of passive aggression. Many of these situations stemmed from what was said—and often, what wasn’t. Miscommunication became a silent saboteur in my work and personal relationships.
As I grew, with the guidance of mentors, colleagues, and insightful books, I began to understand and harness the power of communication. I learned that clarity, empathy, and active listening are key pillars in resolving and even avoiding conflict. While I’m not perfect and still find myself navigating misunderstandings, I am in a much better place. I’m intentional about improving every day, knowing that effective communication isn’t a destination but a continuous journey.
The rewards of intentional communication are undeniable. My ability to communicate effectively has opened doors I never thought possible and strengthened relationships that would otherwise have faltered. Truly, communication works for those who work at it. There are many ways to improve and leverage the power of communication;
- Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting. Reflect back to confirm understanding and show that you value their input.
- Be Clear and Concise: Ambiguity often breeds confusion. Ensure your messages are well-structured and to the point while leaving room for questions.
- Embrace Empathy: Approach conversations with the intent to understand, not just to respond. Recognize and respect others' feelings and perspectives.
- Develop Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of your emotions and the emotions of others, and managing them effectively, is crucial to communicating without escalating conflicts.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for constructive feedback on your communication style and be open to improvement.
- Learn to Say the Hard Things with Grace: Address difficult topics directly but kindly. Avoid beating around the bush or using unnecessarily harsh language.
- Reflect and Adjust: Take time to evaluate past interactions. What went well? What could have been better? Use these reflections to improve future communication.
The quality of our communication shapes the quality of our relationships, careers, and personal growth. It’s not just about what we say but how we say it—and often, what we choose not to say.
So,
How will you communicate better today?
In case you missed lesson 8, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize