Reality Check

I tend to put a great deal of stock on communication. At times, I come across as viewing effective communication as a panacea for contending with all problems between people and even nations. If people communicate openly, fully and respectfully, then there is little that cannot be addressed and, if conflict is in the air, solved. After all, what obstacle could withstand such an assault, especially when coming from all sides of an issue? That tends to be my mantra. But is what I suggest true? Maybe. Actually, make that a very big maybe. As wonderful as communicating effectively is, it is important that it be discussed with a heavy dose of reality.

The hard truth is effective communication does not magically tear down walls, eliminate disagreement, or solve problems. Assuming two people are arguing in good faith, for example. No one is lieing, being closed-minded or disrespectful. They simply see an issue from a different perspective and believe their view is right. The reality is no amount of effective communication can or will change that. The opposing parties will continue to be on opposite sides. Even if each focuses on the so-called greater good of an issue, disagreement will remain. Effective communication, in truth, is not going to change or "fix" that.

I need to not lose sight of that or event hint that that is the case. Effective communication, in essence, is not the magic pill that will turn conflict into resolution. Having embraced that reality, however, this is not to suggest communicating effectively does not have its pluses. At best, it can and does lead to greater understanding and that is no small thing. Far from it. Two parties may agree to disagree, but at least by understanding and even respecting the other's perspective, they have a better chance of carrying on in a more harmonious way. Particularly in much of today's world, I, for one, will take that. That is not a bad reality to embrace.