I needed an envelope of a specific size urgently. I told my office boy, in chaste hindi, the details of what I wanted and also gave him a sample of the envelope to match. What came to me was something that no way could I use.
Why did I get this?
One, because the boy was more comfortable in his mother tongue and not Hindi. So I couldn't communicate my need for the exact replica of the envelope. Second, he couldn't find the envelope in the first shop, therefore, found a solution that suited him and his intellect.
So both of us, the boy and I, went throught the process all over again and went on till I went with the boy to a shop where I got what I wanted.
In my professional interactions I meet people from all walks of life. Of different kinds and from different strata of society.
This is because I am a communications expert and consultant. I also run a business which offers communications solutions to the industrial, engineering and services.
As I go along meeting people, I realise - all the time - that most people hear but don't listen!
Today, before I meet anyone of consequence, I work on the communication process before I meet the person.
I find it's a good beginning.
