Why Communication Matters

George Bernard Shaw once said that “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” And this quote could encapsulate the universal human experience. In all of our attempts at effective communication, our results are often pitiful. 

The lack of communication is even reflected in the stories that we tell. Romeo and Juliet ends in tragedy all because of one silly misunderstanding. Although our communication problems might not usually end in death, the fundamental problem remains the same: humans are just bad communicators. 

And the issue runs even deeper. 

Because most of us desperately need to learn those valuable lessons in communication, we are just unwilling to put in the effort. We might know on some level that it is important, but we struggle to articulate why. And when there is no clear why before us, we are not very likely to make any progress. So let’s try to find a compelling why. 

Communal Creatures 

The first and most foundational why is the simple fact that humans are communal creatures. We cannot help but form associations and societies. We create blood families and surround ourselves with networks of people who can accompany us through life. Even those who would consider themselves introverts enjoy the company of a few very close friends. 

Yes, humans are individuals. But we are also members of communities. Yes, everyone is a person. But everyone is also part of a people. And this call to community should drive us toward greater and greater communication skill. 

Understanding and Being Understood 

But what is communication? Simply put, it is the act of understanding and being understood. It means a combination of both expressing and listening. And this definition can give us further insight into the motivations we might have for learning to be better communicators. 

In any area of life, the people who are able to both effectively understand and be understood are at a distinct advantage. Communication enables us to express what we want, what we need, and how we feel. It also allows us to help other people feel understood, and this is a powerful tool in any interpersonal or business situation. 

Communication: The Key to Success 

Winston Churchill once said, “The difference between mere management and true leadership is communication.” Communication is the secret to succeeding, both in your relationships and in your work life. It will increase your ability to work productively with other people because you will have open lines of communication. It will give you access to people, places, and opportunities that you might not have imagined possible. And perhaps most importantly, it will make you a better friend and member of your community. 

Communication is the key to success, and this series is written in the hope that it will help to make you a better communicator. So join me as we talk about how to cultivate the skill of understanding and being understood.