Communication is more than simply talking, motioning, or sharing ideas. It’s equally as important for the other person to receive our intended message or comprehend what we’re trying to communicate. When we say something, if the person to whom we’re talking, does not understood what we mean, then no communication took place.
I was reminded of this a few days ago while my husband and I were visiting my son’s family in Kansas. Amy, my daughter-in-law, and I took her three little girls and went grocery shopping. While at the store, Amy sent Addison (her six-year-old) for some bananas. Addison dashed off, returning a moment later with a nice yellow bunch of bananas. There were five bananas. Amy said, “Addison, I don’t think that will be enough to feed all of us. You’d better go get one more.” So she did. Addison left and returned a moment later with one of the cutest little bananas you’d ever seen. “Look at how cute it is, Mom,” she said. “It’s perfect.”
Amy said, “Addison, I meant a whole bunch.”
“Oh.” Addison turned around and ran back to the bananas.
“I said, “Amy, she did exactly what you told her to.” That’s when it occurred to Amy that she hadn’t accurately expressed her desire, so her daughter had misinterpreted her instructions. Amy thought her instructions were perfectly clear until Addison returned with only one banana.
So often, we do that, too. We think our directions are perfectly clear until the other person gets them wrong. Then we want to blame them for not listening, when it may actually be lack of communication on our part.
Let’s strive to be good communicators, and to take the time to hear what someone else thinks we said.
That story is so funny. I could picture Addison doing something like that. She is so adorable. I can’t wait to return home from Korea.