Communicate with Clarity | Stakeholder Management

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All us will agree to the need for greater clarity in communication – be it any form, verbal, or written. We say a lot and really don't mean anything much.

Conflicts arise mainly due to poor communication. When words are minced, message loses its meaning. Basically, we failed to make sense, and probably never realized.  Confusion is otherwise called as noise.

Let’s look into some real-time scenarios:

Despite a set agenda, meetings, at times, drag for hours not deliberating the issues tabled, rather a stray thought entertained finds resonance with someone seated and soon the discussion veers off in a direction that’s tangential. When the meeting is concluded, everyone leaves learning a lesson not to get distracted but fall into the same trap that was supposed to be safeguarded.

Likewise, a client call to collect requirements goes into an infinite loop of ‘back and forth’.  Why? Either the message is not clear or the stakeholders are not in the same page for the lack of understanding. It’s as if the conversation is taking place in a language that the attendees in the call are absolutely clueless. This, when Language is no longer a limitation can be so ironical.

Or, the instance when a simple mail intended to communicate a message can be so misleading.

So, how do you bring clarity in communication?

You don’t have to be poetic. Just be precise.

There is no need to compose an essay. A 2-liner will be enough if the message can be conveyed.

Be verbal, not verbose. Compose crisp concise message using shorter sentences.

The second paragraph is this post itself is typical disclaimer as to ‘how not to write’. Rather, simplify. Make it easier for the reader to understand. It should not be a test on IQ.  Is your message easy to understand? Assess the easiness. If yes, post. If not, rewrite.

Clarity means simplicity. We often confuse that word as a business jargon. The challenge today that 'you might be possess the knowledge of a professor' but can you explain in a way that a third-grade kid can understand?

There should not be any confusion at all; nor the need to refer the dictionary. Prose that is plain yet elegant; correct in its context brings out greater clarity in communication.

It can be challenging. So is clarity in communication.