(Originally posted at Absolution Mediation)

Take a moment to read this quote,

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." - George Bernard Shaw

This is a problem that I think we have all had at one time or another.

You ask your wife to pick up Sally after school while she is reading a book.

Or you tell your husband about that big work event that is coming up while he is watching his hockey game .

Lo and behold, Sally doesn't get picked up and your husband makes plans on the night of your big work event.

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." - George Bernard Shaw

How often do our co-workers, managers, supervisors, spouses, children, parents, friends put forward a message and think that it has been communicated?  How often do we do this?

Have you ever gotten in trouble at work because of this?  Have you ever been in a fight with your spouse or children because of this?

Take a moment and make sure the person has heard you.  Take a moment and listen to the person talking to you.

Sounds easy right?

Yep, it sounds easy, but it's difficult.  Be conscious of what's happening around you and let the people around you know when they have your attention.