Communication breakdown

How well we communicate is not determined by how well we say things but rather, how well we are understood.

- PIA ROCES MORATO

It's pretty basic yet, much of the chaos amongst ourselves, whether it be at home or in the workplace has a lot to do with communication breakdowns. Such is the concern these past few weeks (or more) when it comes to communications on the national level.

But what causes a communication breakdown? More often than not, it is caused by a failure to listen effectively. On the other hand, when it comes to messaging, it is usually about a lack of clarity and worse, a failure to understand the other person's perspective.

Peter Drucker said: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said."

In simpler terms, this is what we call, active listening. Active listening is a communication technique where a listener fully concentrates on something that is being said, understands the message, provides the appropriate feedback and responds with thoughtfulness.