We’ve all said things we regret. The issue is never if we said something we later regretted. Rather, how we handled it. I recommend a simple, I’m sorry,” without explanation, since offering up the reason often seems like an excuse. Shortening the statement “I’m sorry I said that, but I was angry,” to “I’m sorry I said that” is clear, brief, and sincere.
It’s not “if” we make mistakes; rather, it’s how we handle them. Research from the University of Texas found that on average, we make “at least three mistakes (usually 5 – 7) every hour we are awake.” Wow, doubtless many of those errors involve the individual only, such as forgetting to turn off a light, or walking into a room, and forgetting why.
In this day and age of technology at our fingertips, methods, and modes of communication come in a variety of formats: emails, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and websites, including personalized websites, to name some of the many. The list goes on and on, and it’s growing in leaps and bounds. While technology is…
In an age of great volatility — fake news, diverse audiences, technology at our fingertips, and change at the speed of light, clear, concise and intentional communication is vital to successful human interaction. Add to that, the stresses and strains of a pandemic, the financial insecurity it wrought, a contentious political season…
“Words matter,” have been on the lips and fingertips of many. My own response: “true that,” yet has the phrase been defined, let alone put into action? What does it mean anyway? For me, it means carefully selecting words and phrases that both reflect what is intended and will begin to heal the great divide in our country.
Having spent the better part of this nascent year reflecting on words, intentions and healing the divide, two examples of what not to communicate spring to mind.