A gap in communication. Communication breakdown. Lost in translation. The message didn’t get through. We hear this in organizational meetings all the time. Something said in a hurry gets misinterpreted, written instructions are followed to the letter but the outcome is the opposite of what was intended, or a misread policy causes setbacks to the organization. In such situations, the problem may not be the communique’ but it may very well be creating, packaging, shipping, and delivering the message. So, my conclusion is, “Always engage in proactive and contextual communication.”  

Contextualizing the message forces the clarity of the message, first in your own mind and then in the mind of the messenger and the receiver. The choice of communication technology as a medium to carry the message is equally important. One needs the right tool for the right job; such as in-person meetings, direct emails, a group chat, or a simple phone call. Think before you speak (communicate). A century-old cliché so true it shall be followed to the letter.  

Practicing proactive communication requires anticipating the reactions to your message. It means to know and understand your audience; their capacity, their limits, their position, their history, and if possible, their cultural identity. It is not easy, however, if one continues to practice, eventually you get good at it. The key is to remain consistently interested in the lives of the people around you. This also helps in promoting productive teamwork and forging life-long friendships. This holiday season, while you sit with your coworkers or loved ones, don’t forget to contextualize your communication, and proactively engage in their lives.