Reading Minds

The ability to read another's mind would no doubt be an impressive skill to possess. Without question, it would definitely give one an sizable advantage over another, particularly during times of negotiation, disagreement, or when trying to impress a supervisor or another with which you might wish to seek favor. Yes, I confess, to fantasizing about this from time to time. But the truth is, I am almost one percent certain I would not wish to possess that power or ability. All of us, I believe, are entitled to our private thoughts without fear of having anyone sneak in and take an uninvited peak at us when we are at our most unfiltered, unguarded and vulnerable.


My guess there are those, particularly in the communication field, who might covet having the ability to read the minds or thoughts of others, however. Doing so, they reason, would help ensure their communication efforts would be spot-on in terms of articulating messages in a way people or publics understand and even agree with. With such a track record, one's success in the communication field would be virtually guaranteed. I am sure, for instance, any chief executive officer would love having a communication officer on their staff who is never wrong. Think of the profits! Think of the good will!


This is fun to think about, but the hard truth is there are no professional communicators who can do this. While our brain power, generally, can be quite impressive, the fact the brain weighs only three pounds and takes up a out two percent of our body weight suggests all of us have a long way to go before we become mind readers. Thank goodness. The result, communication remains a hit-or-miss proposition. As I see it, that is a good thing because it means for any of us to be successful at it, we must work hard at getting to know the folks with whom we are trying to connect. I am grateful - and frustrated - that it remains as challenging at it is.