Beware of Un-Communication!
Remember when NuBurger first opened in Winnipeg, but their original name was “UnBurger”? Boy was that confusing, because they were still selling hamburgers, not “un-burgers” (what is an unburger? A hotdog? A veggie burger? Sushi?). So they changed their name to reflect the value they see in their food. Nu rather than Un. Very smart of them.
Now I love a good To-Do list! And there is sometimes a point to nagging or arguing. When kept in check, To-Do lists, nagging, and arguing play a role in good communication (well, maybe not nagging!). However, it’s gotten out of hand in some homes, some work places, and, well, too many government legislatures.
The chart here represents way too much of that “Un” approach to communication. It’s un-balanced, un-cooperative, un-colourful, and uninspired. So, I’ll ask (and be honest with yourself): Has your Communication-Pie looked a little more like this today? Are you un-communicating? And, if so, what do you think about adding a little more Woo-Hoo! or curiosity to your interactions?
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This is an excerpt from a longer piece “Tool # 10: The Pie Chart of Balanced Communication“.