In a presentation with a business leader, I heard repeatedly that ‘half the cost of anything is transportation.’ Obviously, he wasn’t speaking to ‘shipping’ exclusively. He was speaking to all of the liability involved with the creation, assembly, distribution, handling and receiving of the product. It made me think of some of the costs associated with human communication. The same analogy applies: “half the cost of every interaction is transportation.” And, much like products; shipping isn’t everything.
Creation
The messages that we create in our minds have great liability. To be effective communicators, we have to make sure that we aren’t creating messages that aren’t grounded in objectivity, truth and compassion. This is especially true as we close 2012. It has been amazing the messages that people have allowed themselves to create socio-politically. If we aren’t careful, we will lose our ability to filter our thoughts in a way that allows us to build, not burn bridges.
Assembly
Every communication interaction happens in its own context. To be effective, we have to be able and willing to keep short accounts with people. The way we string together negative messages and attribute our own insecurities and shortcomings to others continues to be costly to our relationships and ability to have impact. Make sure when you are assembling your messages, you have left out the defects of pride, fear and low self-esteem.
Distribution
Have you ever received someone else’s mail? It is annoying. We misplace our emotions in our communication on a regular basis. How many times have you received unfairly a package of frustration, mismanagement or anger? If one of those packages has made itself to your life’s doorstep, make sure you are NOT sending your package to the wrong person.
Handling and receiving
POSTED: Handle With Care. As we communicate with others, it is important to note that people deserve to be handled with care and the receiver sharing the meaning of your message is much more salient to the future than your need to ‘get it off your chest.” Make sure that as you handle people in communicative situations, you keep the receiver in mind. Handle With Care.
Half the cost of anything is transportation. As we move into 2013, lets attempt to lessen the liability by remembering the importance of delivery in our lives. It really is half the cost!
Peace and Blessings,
T2