It’s happened to me a number of times the past few years, and I wonder if I’m not the problem. You know how the story goes, “Remember… I told you….” and with the shake of the head, shrug of the shoulders, and maybe even a sheepish grin the reply is… “I don’t remember.”
I will lay out a plan, present an idea, share a schedule, tell of an event…and the hearer doesn’t remember ever knowing anything about it. I take ownership of the failure of communication, drop 10 to punt, and start the process again, while controlling the disappointment and frustration inside.
When you alone are responsible for the communication of something, and people continue to not know about the event, then it’s wise to suspect the problem is with self.
My shoulders are broad enough to carry the load of missing the mark, but the repeated failure of missed project goals, missing players, and nothing happening like you thought it would…well, it gets old.
I’ve learned through the years that even though you broadcast, share, promote and communicate in many ways, there will always be those who “did not know” and “don’t remember”.
As speedily as we’ve moved through technological marvels, we are spreading ourselves thin when we attempt to communicate to every platform.
From snail mail to email (forget about Western Union!), land lines to mobile, email to text, print, web, social media, and other special use apps, we struggle with trying to share what needs to be shared to singular hearers, or the masses, and making sure everyone knows what they need to know, and knows where to go to find the resources and planning needed.
Some say, “I don’t do that…” and they may be talking about using a computer, or going to a website, or participating in social media, or willing to download and use an app for the benefit of the team. What do you do? Immediately you have to determine how to communicate differently for that singular person, and remember it all the time until they step up to a modern way of participation.
Think about this. There are still some who wish for the good ol’ days! You know, 78, 33 1/3, 45’s, reel to reel, 8-track tape, cassettes, CD or thumb drive (I’ve lived with them all). But modern marvels make it available online and allows someone to download it to their own world and make use of it any way they want.
There are some who still want their music on 8 Track! How do you communicate modern technology to them? Share on XRetailers struggle with the changing face of technology and shoppers all the time. A recent stroll by the music aisle in a famous big box store shows the shrinking of the music aisle as generations of people turn to online access.
Just yesterday I was thinking this through and I posted this thought about change:
I cannot change others.
I can only change me.
That’s why I live this scripture from Paul.
He deals with himself.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 (KJV)
Think about the communicators of old. Personal presentations, teaching hearers to teach others (discipleship), and then carrying the message into the future long after they are gone. A different time that was, and that was simply 100 years ago!
I’m approaching the age when none of this matters. It will be time to pass the baton on to the next generation, and let them worry about communicating with me! Until that time happens, I will go on agonizing how to reach everyone I need to reach and ensure that no one gets left out.
Now… Let me post this blog that few will ever read, or share, but at least I know I’m working on my communication skills!