Effective Communication

The need for good communication 

"I appeal to you...that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV 

A man walking down a street one day noticed someone struggling with a washing machine in the doorway of his home. When he volunteered to help, the homeowner was overjoyed. After several minutes of fruitless struggle the man said to the homeowner, "We’ll never get this washing machine in there," to which the homeowner replied in amazement, "In? I’m trying to get it out!"

Cooperation is impossible without good communication. And that principle holds whether it’s in your home, your business, or your church. Never assume that anybody "knows" anything. The truth is, some people are afraid to admit that they don’t know, lest they be ridiculed. Others need more time and personal attention before they "get it". 

If you’re a fast-tracker with a day timer and a short fuse, people won’t feel comfortable asking for your help. So, if the job’s not getting done correctly, the problem could be your inability to communicate clearly and consistently, rather than their inability to do the job properly. Without clear communication two things happen: 1) The right people get discouraged and give up, like one worker who complained, "I feel like I’m part of a mushroom farm; left completely in the dark and fed manure from time to time!" and 2) The wrong people become empowered, and chaos results. So, if there’s strife and confusion where you live and work, rather than harmony and clear direction, go back and read Paul’s thoughts on good communication: "I appeal to you...that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

Prayer point:

Lord, grant me the humility to listen to others well so that I can communicate effectively. Give me the words to speak in a way that people can easily understand. And above all, help me communicate in a way that brings productivity and unity in my workplace! Amen.