Adversity

How great would the world be if everything went our way? In a word, it would be "awesome." Imagine: how ever we wanted things to go, then that's how they would go. Such a reality would add a new dimension to the word "bliss." Of course, sadly, such a world is not real. At best, it is a fantasy. In the so-called "real world," no one gets their way all the time. Consequently, set backs, unexpected turns, disappointments, conflict, and missteps are a regular of the day for each of us. Given that, it explains why those moments when things actually do turn out the way we want are as satisfying and joyful as they are.


In this regard, communication is not all that different from life itself. In our efforts to connect with others and/or put forward messages for public consumption, not everything goes as well or smoothly as we might like. This is a truism I have touched on before. It is also one that cannot be said often enough. Regardless of how well crafted a message is or how articulate we might be in our exchanges with others, things rarely turn as out as well as we wish. Those with whom we interact have their own perspectives and messages. Further, our output is far from the only one designed to grab the attention of others. Bottom line: in the area of communication, as much can not work out as can.


It has often been said that one measure of a person's character is how they contend with adversity or setbacks. Such is also a viable yardstick to measure the quality of those that communicate for a living. Professional communicators are agents of life. Their job is to help establish and maintain ties between individuals and various publics. Given that not everything goes as well as we might wish, particularly in the realm of communication, how effective are these men and women when it comes to devising alternative outreach plans? To be successful, those who communicate professionally require as much character as any one else coping with the challenges of life.