PMO Tips: If it is important, say it again

Did you know that the 500 most popular words in the English language have over 14,000 meanings? No wonder communications can be difficult under even the best of circumstances. As Mark Twain puts it, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”

Consider the wisdom of Sigmund Freud who said that words have a power, a magical power. They can bring either the greatest of happiness or the deepest of despair. They can transfer knowledge from teacher to student.

Words are powerful and we need to choose our words carefully and accurately. It doesn’t take much effort to think of the many politicians, public figures, or business people that get into trouble when they use the wrong words.

Calvin Coolidge, a great American President, said, “I have never been hurt by anything that I didn’t say.” Coolidge was known for not mixing or mincing words. On one such occasion, a young woman, attractive woman approached President Coolidge at a dinner and announced, “Mr. Coolidge, I have a bet with my husband that I can get you to say more than two words.” Coolidge simply replied, “You lose.”

Take the case of the construction worker that enters the doctor’s office. He says to the receptionist, “Ma’am, I have shingles.” She asks him to wait a moment and about thirty minutes later a nurse appears. When the nurse appears, the man says to her, “I am here with shingles.” The nurse hurriedly takes his temperature and blood pressure and asks him to wait just a little longer. An hour later, the doctor appeared and asked him what he had. The construction worker replied, “Shingles, I have the shingles.” And when the doctor asked where, he said, “Out in the truck, where to you want them?”

Make sure people understand what you are trying to say. Communication is not just talking or sending a message. It is creating a shared meaning and understanding. In just about any business setting and especially project management, it is important that people understand you. Speak their language. Don’t use terms they will not understand. And, if necessary, Say it again, and again, and again.