Category Archives: Communication

#72 Why this enthusiasm to “teach?”

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The world around us is full of problems. Let us narrow the scope to the workplace and state: the workplace is full of problems. Let us narrow the scope even further: you are facing a lot of problems.

It is better to start by solving the smallest problem you can find, then work your way up. If you are handed a ginormous problem, break it down into smaller problems, then start by solving the smallest problem you can find. This will build your confidence as well as the foundation to solve bigger problems. Ergo, don’t worry about the world’s problem, or your co-workers’ problem. Start with your own. Charity begins at home.

You may observe that when faced by large problems, your co-workers are eager to instruct other co-workers how to solve problems, but don’t show the same enthusiasm to take action to solve their own. This appears to be generally true in society as well. Newspapers, magazines, blogs, TV, and other media are full of pundits that have answers for what others should do, but none of the speakers volunteer by saying, “I will do this…”

Stop teaching others, stop teaching yourself. Just get out there and start the “doing.” Walk the talk, and see the difference it makes.

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#71 “Tell me” versus “Show me”

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Showing” is always more powerful than “telling.” One way to implement this is to use the Iceberg Theory, a method of “minimalist writing.” This is because both methods add to clarity of communication. (But there are exceptions… as with guidelines in general)

The Iceberg Theory will work only if, to quote Hemingway, “the writer of the prose knows enough of what he is writing.”

You can (and should) take writing lessons. But if you know what you are talking about, and determine to say it in fewest possible words, without being obscure, you’ll have a leg up over your verbose co-workers, who have nothing to say, but use a lot of words to say it.

 

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