Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity...

February 2023

“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity”. I was attending a Learning Network gathering last week and our conversations were surrounding collaboration and communication. Communication stood out to me for many reasons. I started reflecting on how we are communicated with from birth to who we are now. At birth, most communication is done through learned behaviors, until you are a toddler learning to talk. “Use your words”. I don’t know how many times I must even remind my older kids to “use your words”. Entering the preteen/teenage stage, communication seems to surround understanding the difference between right and wrong. As a previous volleyball coach, I empathize with those in their coaching positions now when they say, “You have to tell someone who you’re guarding!” or “You have to call for the ball!”. Our whole lives we are learning how to communicate with each other.

Speaking for myself today, I am learning to focus on communication to eliminate confusion and enhancing clarity. Honestly, easier said than done. What I may think is a great idea in my head, may not be vocalized accurately to my constituents, and in return my idea doesn’t move any further. What I have learned through my personal investment in personal development is, it’s okay! Because my idea wasn’t favored, doesn’t mean I need to quit or not make suggestions anymore. It simply means I need to look at my audience and analyze how I can create a better opportunity to explain my idea in a clearer way in the future. Another perk of being the first in a position is the challenge of learning how to communicate with a wide variety of personalities and groups of people. Everyone has valid ideas and opinions, which brings me to my next bit of information I am excited to share with the community!

I am excited for 2023. I hope you are too! There are a lot of efforts being made by numerous individuals and organizations to help the Murdo area thrive, and we want to know and hear your thoughts and ideas as well. I continue to encourage you to reach out any time a simple or even complex question or idea comes to your mind. New ideas are what will keep our community on our toes and keep us relevant! Have a great everyone and let’s keep the communication doors open!