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This week’s Pearl of Leadership Wisdom is on….
Communication – Part I
“The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object that is visible from space” – memorable but not true.
Of all the skills of leadership, communication must be the most important. The absence of communication is unimaginable. Even silence sends a message. Lowly bacteria communicate – using chemicals.
Chip and Dan Heath have written a great book called “Made to Stick – why some ideas take hold and others come unstuck”.
“The recommended daily allowance of iron for an adult is 14mg.” – true but not memorable.
They offer 6 key attributes that an idea must have to be effectively communicated.
First is…a focus on simplicity – “it’s the economy, stupid” was dreamed up by an advisor during Clinton’s presidential campaign to keep Clinton himself focused on the key issue.
Second is…to be unexpected – “if you haven’t been in a car since 1965 the correct way to fasten your seat belt is….” as used by cabin staff on Southwest Airlines.
Third is…creation of a concrete image in the mind – how about this…
“If all the stars in the Milky Way were grains of salt they would fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.” – true and memorable. Wow.
I’ll give you the other three next week…..
Mark
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