Continuing from the last post, the message could very easily have been fixed by changing "you have miles to go" to "you will go miles". Though one could debate whether "you will go miles" is correct language, the point being made is, are we able to communicate the right message even with language that may not be pefect ? If yes, then the communicaion has served its purpose.
The email should have been
Quote
Hi R / A,
The whole ICC team is proud of you both.
Though the report was new to both of you, still you managed to meet the timelines. Thanks for your efforts you have put in today. You will go miles.
Keep up the good and hard work.
Unquote
Of course, as language skills improve, the communication can get finer and finer.
Here is another example of poor communication that results in making the boss a villain.
This is a Messenger chat between the Business Head and a Manager, on a day when the Senior Manager, who is in between the Business Head and the Manager, is on leave.
Quote
Business Head : I hear you are "in charge" today
Manager : hahah I am trying to cover up for Seema
Unquote
In one fell swoop, the Manager, by saying that he is “trying to cover up for Seema” has made Seema, his boss, a criminal by making it sound as if she has done something he need to “cover up” for.
What should he have written ?
Quote
Business Head : I hear you are "in charge" today
Manager : hahah I am trying to cover up for Seema
Unquote
What seems to be the problem ?
The Manager is either challenged in the language he is communicating in, or has not taken adequate pains to read through a message he intends sending. Of course he could also be taking the opportunity to bad mouth his boss to his boss’ boss and ingratiate himself, but for the present we will discount that possibility.
Challenge with the language can be fixed, but it is normally a gradual process and the individual needs to take charge of the process.
Wilful bad-mouthing of his boss cannot be fixed through any intervention, unless it is through a forced holiday from work in a penitentiary.
Taking pains with a written message is a skill that can be taught (and learnt) through a structured programme and increased consciousness of the damage an incorrect message can cause.
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