“Every Problem is a Communication Problem.”
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell
➡️ Why is COMMUNICATION at the root of so many problems?
I don’t mean to minimize complex situations or pretend that every challenge can be solved with a simple conversation. But when you really think about it — from small interpersonal hiccups to large organizational breakdowns — things tend to go off the rails when communication does.
So let’s talk about why that happens… and what you can do about it.
➡️ Why Things Go Wrong: The Communication Gap
(a.k.a that space gets filled with assumptions, emotion, and misinterpretation)
1. Human brains hate missing information
When clarity is missing, our brains fill in the blanks — usually incorrectly – creating multiple interpretations of the same goal, leading to misalignment and breakdowns.
2. Emotions take over when clarity fades
Unclear communication activates stress and fear responses, causing people to assume the worst - the message becomes less about what was said and more about the meaning we assigned to it.
3. Words are only a small part of communication
Tone, body language, and context carry far more meaning than the words themselves - you can say the right thing the wrong way — and the wrong meaning sticks.
4. Communication touches four core human needs
Every interaction affects our need for belonging, significance, safety, and progress - when these needs aren’t met, engagement drops and conflict rises.
➡️ So, What Can You Do to Improve Communication?
🧭 Get a PLAN.
P – Understand your purpose, goal, and objective.
L – Language is key – both physical and verbal. Be mindful of what you say and how you say it.
A – Ask for what you want and be mindful of your affect.
N – What are your non-negotiables? What do you need from this situation?
This strategy works anywhere: at work, at home, and in every conversation in between. When you pause long enough to clarify what you need, what you want, your communication has direction — and so do you.
