When People First once again gave me the opportunity to share my thoughts in the June 2023, issue; out of the many possible topics, the one that resonated most was COMMUNICATION AT THE HELM OF HUMAN.

Why so? Could be asked,-

Is it simple? & hence you choose

Ah Dr. Saumya, you just took the most easiest one; 

Oh last minute, easy writing ha

Well to me the two words that captured my heart were HUMAN & COMMUNICATION. To me as the Lead HR in the organization that is Labour Intensive, Communication is the “glue” that binds us.

Well there are 4 C’s of 21stcentury which are

1. Communication

2. Collaboration

3. Critical Thinking

4. Creativity

So without communication as the base the other 3 s stand no ground as these are built on the foundation of Communication.

At the helm of humanity, communication serves as the primary means by which we convey our thoughts, ideas, emotions, and desires to others.

SO LETS EXPLORE VARIOUS TYPES OF COMMUNICATIONS : By and large right from the election manifestos, to board room presentation to the casual conversations at the clubs & pubs, we can broadly classify the communications as 

While much has been written on these types, here are two more categories that are now prevalent at work place which I call the “Buzz-Zing “Communication.

So just for a moment think where is the buzz & the zing happening in your offices?

1. Boardroom

2. Town Hall

3. C-Suite- suite

Well none of these are the places where communications happen. Like they say the most honest prayers are not in the temples, but hospitals, the most true- straight from heart communication happen in

1. Bathrooms ☺- I’m sure this was not a surprise. Right from finding the right shoulder to cry the increments to venting out frustrations to solving family crisis to just about anything, bathroom breaks are now doubling up as Counselling spaces

2. Sutta Bar ☺- Mera pyaar yaar Sutta Baar… well this so called Chai-Sutta break is another space that double up as spaces of Free Expressions, Non Judgmental & oft sympathetic venting grounds.

These spaces though are touted as the most Non-Productive, time killer, to me , as an HR professional, I find these as HEALING Session by peer-to-peer where there is more empathy & equality flowing seamlessly.

Well to say the least, the quote that I could identify & that which is most near to my thought trajectory is "Communication is the fuel that drives HR functions, fostering engagement, collaboration, and understanding."

This leads us to understanding the:

5 ‘S WHICH ARE THE PILLARS OF COMMUNICATION

Human Brain is an interesting  organ.  It has captured our fascinations since long where right from preserving Einstein’s brain to decoding the cranial capacity to exploration of mind, we have come a long way.

Research Data says that Human Brain can process 11 million bits of information every second. Out of which 40 TO 5 BITS CAN BE PROCESSED BY A HUMAN MIN IN A SECOND.

So while the communication as evolved as significant tool towards the growth of the Human Species about 102,000 years ago, the large evidences lie in the cave paintings , morse code to coded language, the above 5 pillars stand true & tested though the time.

ROMANCING THE ATTENTION DURING COMMUNICATION

Factual scientific evidence states that  average attention span of human being stands at 8.25 seconds. Then how were the most captive orators been able to extends this ? where masses collaborated & conquered.

Well these orator & influencers , had us by following the following

1. Aligning to the purpose of mass

2. Following KISS principle 

3. Humour to engage

4. Opportunity to participate

5. Evidence

6. Experience

However there is another example that makes one stand out as an excellent communicator. Let me give an example of Mr. Shahrukh Khan, while many dismissed him initially on his looks (and believe you me, in no way does he conform to the likeness of the Greek God), he has charmed his way into our heart . How does he do it?

Well in the words of many Journalists that have had the honour of being in his company, Mr. Shahrukh Khan does the two very distinct & yet understated acts

1. Creating Comfort– Comfort brings Trust & Trust builds comfort. Stranger become long lost friends when in a comfortable surroundings & communications get into personal shared space.

2. Addressing by Name– We , the Homo Sapiens love to be addressed by our name. It gi9vbes & fills us with the sense of 

   1. Importance

   2. Recognition

   3. Validation

WHY  DO COMMUNICATIONS FAIL?

As are the success factors to communications, there are other aspect on why sometimes the thought are not interpreted in the way, that it I supposed to be by the receptor/ receiver?

Communication can be a complex process influenced by various factors. Here are some complexities that can arise in communication:

1. Language and Cultural Differences: Differences in language, cultural norms, and communication styles can create barriers to effective communication. Misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and language barriers can hinder the transmission and understanding of messages.

2. Noise and Distractions: External factors such as noise, interruptions, distractions, and environmental conditions can affect communication by interfering with message reception, concentration, and overall clarity.

3. Non-Verbal Cues: Non-verbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice, can convey additional meaning or even contradict the verbal message. Decoding and correctly interpreting non-verbal cues can be challenging and may vary across individuals and cultures.

4. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Emotions, preconceptions, biases, and personal experiences can influence how individuals send and receive messages. Emotional states can affect the clarity, delivery, and interpretation of communication, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

5. Information Overload: In today's fast-paced and information-rich world, individuals may encounter an overload of information from multiple sources. Filtering, prioritizing, and effectively processing information can be challenging, leading to information gaps or overload-induced misunderstandings.

6. Communication Channels and Technology: The choice of communication channels and the use of technology can impact the effectiveness of communication. Different channels (e.g., face-to-face, phone, email, video conferencing) have their own strengths, limitations, and potential for miscommunication.

7. Power Dynamics: Power imbalances within organizational hierarchies or social structures can affect communication dynamics. Individuals may feel hesitant to express their opinions, ideas, or concerns due to fear of repercussions or a perceived lack of authority.

8. Context and Ambiguity: Communication takes place within specific contexts that can introduce ambiguity and complexity. Ambiguous messages, unclear expectations, or lack of context can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

9. Feedback and Active Listening: Effective communication involves active listening and providing feedback. However, difficulties in active listening, such as distractions, personal biases, or a lack of attentiveness, can hinder understanding and compromise the effectiveness of communication.

10. Technological Barriers: In virtual or remote communication, technological barriers, such as connectivity issues, language translation tools, or unfamiliarity with digital platforms, can hinder effective communication and create additional challenges.

Navigating these complexities requires individuals to develop strong communication skills, including active listening, empathy, clarity in expression, cultural awareness, and adaptability. Open-mindedness, patience, and a willingness to seek clarification can help overcome these challenges and promote effective communication.

TO SAY THE LEAST

Communication is the pathway that leads from confusion to clarity.

At the helm of humanity, communication holds immense power and responsibility. It can foster understanding, bridge divides, inspire change, and nurture harmony. Conversely, miscommunication or the lack of effective communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes.

Therefore, as we navigate the complexities of the human experience, it is crucial to recognize the importance of communication and continually strive to enhance our skills in order to connect, collaborate, and create a better world for all.