The 3 Stooges: Perception, Assumption and Lack of Communication

I started this blog the day after Christmas and decided it wasn't cheery enough. I thought I should wait to send it at a more appropriate time...but when is the most appropriate time to remind each other that what we perceive to be right, assume to be correct and refuse to talk about are the exact issues that we should be focusing on!

So what is wrong with perception, assumptions and lack of communication?

They are community destroyers!

Whether you are talking about your home, office or even church, when any of these three stooges rear it's ugly head, trouble is inevitable.

When we focus on ourselves and stop considering the wisdom and experience of others we lose the benefits of community and stop our own growth.

Perception Is A Wonderful Tool

The dictionary describes it as:

per·cep·tion/pərˈsepSHən/

Noun:

The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. The state of being or process of becoming aware of something in such a way.

Remember though that perception comes from your senses. And have your senses ever been off?

• Had a cold and couldn't smell...
• Forgot your glasses...
• Only heard part of the conversation...

So while I encourage people to be perceptive, do not forget that you have blindspots. Always be willing to let others fill in the blanks you may have missed or provide wisdom you have not gained yet.

Assumptions...Do I really need to say anything else?

A-S-S-U-M-E makes a you know what out of U and Me.

This is one of those acronyms that I only needed to hear once to get it. Do not assume anything...ever!

A good friend always reminds me, "In God we Trust, everyone else needs facts."

This is where the final stooge must be dodged.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

So I hear you, you are saying I am not a communicator. I am not good with words. So, practice or find someone who compliments your weaknesses.

You do not have to be a professional speaker to express your self and it doesn't take a classical writer to let someone know your expectations. Do it your way...just do it!

I have a new client that is direct, to the point and NOT a fan of writing. She wants to say what is needed and move on.

We have agreed that she talks, I write it down.

She is wonderfully descriptive when she is excited about what she wants to share. Just don't make her write it, or her passion turns into pain. We have communicated the strengths and weaknesses and have created a plan to accomplish our goal. . .together.

"The common denominator to all success and happiness is other people." Les Giblin

This quote comes from Les Giblin's book How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing With People. It goes on to state that if you..."learn to deal with other people, you will have gone 85% of the way down the road to success in any business, occupation, or profession, and about 99% of the way down the road to personal happiness."

Adios Three Stooges...hello success and happiness!

Now go communicate,
Kym Lamb