In today's fast-paced world, communication has become both effortless and complex. We have the tools to connect instantaneously, yet we often find ourselves slipping into passive communication habits that can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and damaged relationships. It's time to reclaim control over our conversations by embracing active and what I like to call "violent" communication.
Passive communication, the bare minimum approach to delivering messages, may seem convenient, but it comes with a cost. When we rely solely on emails or messages, we lose control over the conversation's tone, context, and delivery. There's a significant chance that our message might get lost in spam folders or simply overlooked. We can't guarantee that the recipient will interpret the message correctly or even receive it at all. Passive communication leaves too much room for error and misinterpretation.
On the other hand, active communication involves taking proactive steps to ensure message delivery. This can include multiple attempts through various channels like calls, voicemails, texts, and emails. While active communication improves the chances of reaching the intended recipient, it still leaves room for misinterpretation and unanswered questions.
This is where "violent" communication comes into play. Despite its aggressive-sounding name, violent communication is about exerting extreme control over the conversation until its conclusion. It means going above and beyond to ensure that every stakeholder is reached, every question is answered, and every concern is addressed.
In a world where distractions are abundant and attention spans are short, violent communication demands relentless pursuit until the conversation is exhausted from every angle. It involves constant follow-ups, over-communication, and meticulous note-taking to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
But violent communication isn't just about bombarding others with messages—it's about maintaining integrity and building trust. By demonstrating a commitment to thorough communication, we show respect for others' time and concerns. We take ownership of the conversation and prioritize clarity and understanding above all else.
Implementing violent communication may seem daunting, but the alternative—passive communication—comes at a much greater cost. How much time do we waste when messages go unanswered or misunderstood? How many opportunities slip through our fingers because we didn't follow up diligently enough?
Think about the impact on relationships and reputation when clients or colleagues feel neglected or undervalued due to poor communication. Each instance of passive communication chips away at our integrity and erodes trust.
Violent communication offers a solution—a way to elevate our interactions from merely satisfactory to exceptional. It's about going the extra mile to ensure that every conversation leaves a positive impression, resolves issues thoroughly, and strengthens relationships.
In a world inundated with passive communication, be the one who takes control. Embrace active and "violent" communication, and watch as your conversations become more impactful, your relationships deepen, and your reputation soars. After all, in the realm of communication, it's not about being passive—it's about being proactive, assertive, and ultimately, in control.
