Communication as a Tool

We do not live in a perfect world. (I hope you are not hearing this for first time.) But, sadly, it is true. There are people in this world who are not tellers of truth. There are also those who are not generous of heart when it comes to things like sharing or being inclusive. Another reality is that we live in a "we" world and not in one where it is "every man for himself." I know, however, there are days when it certainly feels that way just as I know there are those who disagree with that philosophy. But with our planet's limited resources and growing populations, the concept of inclusiveness becomes more relevant. I express this sentiment not to come across as some apple pie type person, but rather as a believer in and practitioner of communication and someone who has a good sense of its ever-increasing significance in giving one means with which to cope.

The very nature of communication is one of partnership. Whether you exchange smiles with a passer-by on the street, share a transaction with a teller at the local bank, or participate in a lengthy interaction with someone you know, for the duration of those connections you are part of an unspoken bond with that person. You are partners who are sharing moments of time together with a shared goal of making the best of it. This, as odd as it may sound, is even the case when there is disagreement. In those cases, both of you are still seeking to find common ground or agreement on some level.

Communication is a tool or device much like a hammer. How it is used rests on the shoulders of the person who steps up to the microphone, sits behind the desk, walks through their door at night and is greeted by their family, or even participates in drafting legislation. It can be used to build or tear down; reinforce or weaken; praise or damn; enlighten or mislead; reach out or turn away; inform or shut down. One thing communication by itself will never do is make our imperfect world perfect. But we will never come even close to perfection without it.