"What We've Got Here Is Failure to Communicate"
How many of you remember that line from the movie
classic, “Cool Hand Luke”? Better yet,
how many of you can relate to it? I know
I can.
Communication is the bedrock of community. I suppose that should come as no surprise -
both words have as their origin the Latin “communis”, meaning “common” - as in sharing
some trait, or feature, or mission. The
structure of both words is also interesting.
The first four letters – “comm” – are followed by “unity” and
“unication”, (the latter of which isn’t really a word at all, unless I’m playing
you in Scrabble!) The point is that both
words fully formed seem to unite, rather than divide, people.
I recently had a conversation with a couple of valued
friends, who pointed out the importance of transparency in our communication
with each other. In my own experience, I
know that it’s sometimes easier, less painful, to “talk the talk” of
transparency than it is to “walk the walk”.
But honest, transparent communication – done with love – opens us up to
deeper, more meaningful relationships … in each of the many and varied
communities we might find ourselves in.
My vow is to continue to work on my communication skills
and to become more transparent in the process.
How about you?
Kathy Flynn, Candidate
Madison, Wisconsin
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