Sloppy communication is everywhere. It creeps into workplace conversations, casual check-ins, and even crucial project updates. It’s that vague, non-committal response that leaves everyone assuming things will get done—until they don’t. If you’ve ever dealt with a situation where tasks keep falling through the cracks, you’ve probably been a victim of sloppy communication.

Snow More Sloppy Communication

Recently I was speaking with a client, and he gave a perfect example of sloppy communication. The manager of his building company had delegated snow removal, and the conversation went something like this:

Manager: “What’s happening with the snow removal?”
Employee: “We got it handled.”

Fast forward to the next snowfall (because in Canada there is always a “next”), and low and behold, no one was removing the snow. Why? Because “we got it handled” is not a plan, it’s not a commitment, and it’s certainly not an actionable response. It’s a vague assurance that gives the illusion of pro...

Feedback and criticism are integral parts of personal and professional growth. And, the impact of feedback can vary widely, sometimes hitting us like a grain of salt and other times feeling as heavy as a boulder. Understanding why this happens and how to navigate these varying impacts is key to harnessing the power of feedback effectively.

The Grain of Salt: When Feedback Feels Manageable

When feedback is constructive and delivered thoughtfully, it often feels manageable—like a grain of salt. In these instances, the feedback is usually:

1. Specific and Actionable: Clear, targeted suggestions that offer a path for improvement can feel empowering. Knowing exactly what to work on makes the feedback feel like a helpful nudge rather than a daunting challenge.

2. Delivered with Empathy: When the person providing feedback shows understanding and compassion, it softens the impact. A supportive tone can make even critical feedback easier to digest.

3. Aligned with Personal Goals: If the...

In our rapidly evolving world, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of personal and professional relationships. Yet, despite the numerous ways we can connect—whether through speech, writing, or digital media—trust remains a precious and often elusive commodity. The adage "actions speak louder than words" resonates deeply in this context. For trust to flourish, our actions must consistently align with our words.

The Essence of Trust in Communication

Trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship, whether between friends, family members, colleagues, or organizations and their stakeholders. It fosters a sense of security and confidence, enabling open and honest exchanges. And, trust is not granted automatically; it is earned through consistent and reliable behavior over time.

The Disconnect Between Words and Actions

One of the most significant barriers to building trust is the discrepancy between what people say and what they do. We've all encountered situations ...

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the pursuit of growth is constant. Whether you're a start-up aiming to establish your foothold or a seasoned corporation striving to maintain your edge, the quest for progress is ever-present. Amidst this pursuit, one strategy stands out as a beacon of success: good communication, specifically cascading information throughout the organization.

Effective communication lies at the heart of every thriving enterprise. It's not merely data exchange; it's about fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding. When information cascades seamlessly from the top echelons to the grassroots level, it fuels alignment, empowers employees, and drives organizational agility. And yes, even my company falls prey to the busyness of “work”, and we sometimes lapse in our strategic growth planning. And when we do get together regularly, and information is disseminated throughout the organization and wins are celebrated we are all bet...