Welcome to the new look one minute motivator. Still actionable in about a minute, the aim of this face lift is to help make these motivators even easier to put into action. As ever, feedback is encouraged so be sure to let us know what you think 
“When you assume you make an ass out of you and me.” Oscar Wilde
Great communication results in smoother relationships and a sweeter business life.
Why? The word assume is said to come from the Latin words for ‘ass’, ‘you’ and ‘me’ although there has recently been much debate about its true origins. Origins aside, there is much worth remembering from this old adage and its value to great communication.
What? Don’t assume the person you are communicating with knows what you know or does what you already do. Don’t take anything for granted. There are exceptions. Feel free to suggest them in the comments section below 
How? Take time to explain and discuss. Listen to what is being said and watch for body language. Non-verbal cues are just as telling as what you are hearing. Equally as important is what is not being said.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: paulworswick
March 11, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Eleanor,
This post really resonates with me; I fully agree with it. So often the effectiveness of the communication is assummed and taken for granted; were this is so evident is in the classrooms of our schools.
I love the following statement: “Great communication results in smoother relationships and a sweeter business life” It’s so true.
Thank you for sharing such an important message.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..It’s only skin deep
Twitter: GiveABrick
March 11, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Thanks (again!) Paul. How do you find the new format? Was it easier for it to mean something specific to you in this layout?
Agree about schools too. There is a lot of assumption in school. Both adults and pupils alike are guilty of this.
Twitter: paulworswick
March 11, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Eleanor,
It was easier to pick up the necessary parts and the message jumps out more.
Regards
Paul
Paul´s last blog ..It’s only skin deep
Twitter: GiveABrick
March 12, 2010 at 9:43 am
Brilliant. Good to hear. Thanks Paul.
Twitter: bigredtomato
March 11, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Hi Eleanor, I like this! As an action orientated person, it makes it easier to spot the takeaways. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. I never knew that quote was by Oscar Wilde although I’ve heard it hundreds of times before.
Always lots to learn here!
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Do you want to retire rich or do you want to retire dead?
Twitter: GiveABrick
March 11, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Thanks Matthew. I’m not sure that he said it originally but he is cited as having said it. My husband was the first person who said it to me but didn’t think that that would be as appreciated
As for the layout, many thanks for the feedback. It came about as a result of some advice from Dave Doolin and it’s always great to hear when these things help.
Twitter: ralphcarlson
March 12, 2010 at 12:21 am
Communication is the beginning and the end of all human problems. There are just too many things that can go wrong and too few that can go right. You can’t assume anything except that you will be misunderstood.
Twitter: GiveABrick
March 12, 2010 at 9:42 am
Thank you. You’ve given me the exception I was searching for. Having said that we shouldn’t assume, I thought there must be exceptions but I couldn’t think of one. You found it for me
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