“He that knows least commonly presumes most.” Thomas FullerI’ll be the first to admit I’ve had that knee-jerk reaction more than once. An announcement is made. A list of FAQs is published, but it raises more questions than it answers. So I tend to fill in the blanks with assumptions until more information is available. And in all those examples, I’m certain I’ve never jumped to the conclusion that everything is going to be wonderful. Recently I was in a meeting where I was the one leading the change. A single piece of information slipped out before we were able to do a detailed communication of the change. Others responded just as I might have if I were in their shoes. They assumed the worst and reacted out of fear of the unknown. At that point we went into damage control which put us back weeks in our progress. From that experience I learned: I may not be able to control change communications that happen to me, but I can control change communications that come from me. Having now been on both sides of poor communications, I’m committed to be sensitive and exceedingly careful when I communicate potential change. How many times have reacted negatively to a change announcement? Do you ever need to communicate news that you suspect will not be received well? How will you give (or receive) an announcement in the future that will shed a more positive note on the topic?
What are your thoughts?
Libby Note: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) an English author and historian known best for his book published after his death in 1662, Worthies of England. He was a prolific writer, one of the first English authors able to live by his pen (and his many patrons).
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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