Baby Steps

Recently, the United States celebrated the 40th anniversary of when Neil Armstrong, one of our country's brave astronauts, first stepped onto the moon. He called it a "giant leap." But was it? Upon first glance, it is easy to understand why Armstrong gave it the label he did. After all, this was a definite first for mankind. But as stunning, riveting and historic this one actual moment was, the reality is it was the result of many many far less spectacular steps that had been taken for nearly a decade prior to that. As a result, Armstrong's unforgettable step was really one in a long series of incremental advances. Effective communication works in much the same way, particularly when the goal is to solidify ties that bind.

Decisions, for example, are not always once-and-for-all moments even though it may seem like it at times. A family may decide to go bowling but half way there change their mind and opt to take in a movie instead. On a broader level, the heads of two countries may agree to the terms of a treaty but then circumstances change and suddenly determine the terms of that planned agreement should either be amended or scrapped. Thus, as things evolve, it is vital to keep lines of communication open. If nothing else, we humans are often transient, not just in the fact we are mobile but in our perspectives, information we gather or forget, and experiences. It is only through communication these constant changes be best understood and facilitated.

Thus, what seem like abrupt changes are often the result of an evolution of steps. Baby steps. Stops and starts. Wrong doors and right doors. The transition from one to another is made easier by communication, particularly if that communication is carried out with a sense of openness and inclusion. Generally, people made better choices when they have more information and when they believe their input is welcomed. Effective communication is a key to making this happen so the baby or incremental steps we all take from one point to another has greater chance of being in the right direction.