Communication Recession

Is there any one who has no yet heard or read that our nation is currently dealing with an economic recession? Probably not. Even if someone is in the enviable position of not having to tighten their belt these days, then surely they are aware that most of the rest of us have and will continue to do so for who knows how much longer. When it comes to communication, there are also times when a recession occurs. People fail to communicate as well as they should or need to. Their timing is off. Their message is not clear. They do not listen as well as they should. These miscues between two entities happen not just once or twice but on an ongoing basis. In baseball, it is called a slump. The same is true for communication.

But whether we are talking about economics or communication or even baseball, recession is the result of sustained failed policies; ones that have been deemed to lack balance, honesty of intent, or effective follow-through. One piece of fallout from a recession in any one of these fields is a lack of confidence. Economically, many Americans currently share a severe lack of confidence in the Bush administration because of its failed policies. When it comes to communication, a lack of confidence also occurs. People withdraw. They turn away. They lose interest in maintaining a bridge between themselves and those with whom they are attempting to communicate. If left unaddressed, then a gap occurs that will not be rebuilt unless new policies or efforts are made.

In communication, a lack of confidence is equal to a lack of credibility. For any communicator, this is a kiss of death. When communicators fail to include benchmarks or points of measurement in any of their communication efforts, then they risk implementing policies that can lead to a recession. Much like the economy itself, the act of communication is that fragile and in need of constant tending and oversight. With the proper vision and commitment, recession in communication can be avoided.