Did you know that the number one reason all relationships fail is because of a lack of or breakdown in communication?  All relationships - marriages, father and son, brother and sister, best friends, business partnerships, employer and employee, co-workers, companies and their customers - all of these and any other relationship I didn't mention fail, due to poor communication.  How many times have you heard someone say - "Boy, what's up with him?  Was it something I said?"  Most of the time, yes.  It is something you said.  Or perhaps, something you didn't say.  The art of communication - it's what makes or breaks any relationship.  This is critically important to know, but equally important is to understand how, where and why communication breaks down in the first place.  What is the process?  Much of the cause is poor listening skills.  Many times it's making the wrong assumptions, and others it's just plain ol' laziness and a lack of caring.  Here's a perfect example of what I'm talking about.  This picture and story were posted on the internet.  While ordering a cake from Wal-Mart, based on the outcome, this is how one would imagine the conversation went between a Wal-Mart customer and a Wal-Mart employee. 

Wal-Mart Employee: "Hello this is Wal-Mart, howcan I help you?"

Customer: "I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week."

Wal-Mart Employee: "What do you want on the cake?"

Customer: "'Best Wishes Suzanne,' underneath that, 'We will miss you'".

Now, it's hard to say just where this catastrophe went wrong, but clearly there was a lack of communication.  And what's absolutely amazing is that from one little miscommunication, one tiny, poorly executed interaction Wal-Mart is losing credibility on a global level.  Again, this picture was posted on the internet, along with the story you just read.  You'll tell others and they'll tell even more.  Remember, huge results from tiny causes.

Poor communication or miscommunication destroys any chance for a meaningful relationship.  No relationship - no chance for loyalty and evangelism from your colleagues and customers.  No loyalty and evangelism - no chance for a powerful, sustainable brand.  No brand - NO CHANCE FOR SUCCESS! 

How can we avoid communication breakdown?

1. Never make assumptions
2. Communicate with clarity
3. Set clear expectations
4. Ask what is expected of you
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions - any question
6. Encourage those around you to ask questions
7. Make every communication interactive, not static
8. Avoid electronic communication and communicate in person

Try these simple steps and you will be well on your way to clearer communications with those around you - which will lead to less assuming, fewer mistakes and a more productive outcome.