Wacky Wednesday

Since we are talking about Communication this week, I thought this Dilbert was appropriate:

Too often we try to communicate a concept without giving a person enough details or the proper frame of reference. The image is so clear to you, that you neglect to think that it might not be clear to others. Out of all forms of communication, EMAIL is the most notorious for this. Think about it, in ever other major form of communication (I am not counting fax machines as a major form of communication) has some type of feedback to let you know if the message is understood. Even text and instant messages often get a reply, even if it is only a "?". 

We often find ourselves reading emails that are unclear, not specific enough, or assume a frame of reference that we do not have. Worse, you've probably written emails with the same assumptions. The next time you start pounding away at your keyboard, check to make sure that everyone on the To, CC and BCC line really need to be there, and that they have the appropriate background/frame of reference to understand what you are trying to convey. The last thing you need as a leader is an employee that will "act randomly and hope for the best:.