Communication.

Sitting in my chair for over three minutes, hands hovering over the keyboard, contemplating how to tackle the topic of communication, I find myself at a loss. Odd, isn't it? Just when we believe we've mastered something, the world swiftly reminds us of the vast journey still ahead.

Assuming I had communication figured out, I even prided myself on being exceptional at it, a necessity in my line of work. Yet, as I type these words, I realize I'm still a student in the intricate game of life and business, particularly in the realm of communication.

Skipping the details, I'll emphasize the profound importance of openness, honesty, and upfront communication, even when it feels counterintuitive. Over the past few years, I've come to appreciate, though not fully implement, Don Miguel Ruiz's wisdom from "The Four Agreements." The one agreement resonating today, as I address communication, is "Don't make assumptions."

Ruiz explains, "One assumption leads to another assumption; we jump to conclusions, take our story personally, blame others, and justify our assumptions through gossip. Assumptions are lies we tell ourselves, creating unnecessary drama."

In work and life, making assumptions without engaging in conversation is a recipe for disaster, a lesson I've sadly learned firsthand.

For many, being consistently vulnerable and open poses a challenge. Even small steps can feel like giant leaps. As I admitted earlier, I thought I had transcended this challenge in communication, only to realize my recent avoidance of tough conversations and reliance on assumptions cost me dearly. Acting this way for the sake of appearances or trying to please everyone achieves the opposite—displeasure for all parties involved. Effective communication demands transparency in sharing both positive and challenging aspects, always remaining 100% authentic.

Though I've preached and coached this paradigm to clients, I recently faltered in practicing it, experiencing the consequences. I stress the importance of communication being a two-way street. Both sides must willingly commit to authenticity. A one-sided approach is a disaster waiting to happen. Establishing clear communication agreements—when, how, and what to communicate—is vital. Operating on assumptions or neglecting other dynamics will inevitably result in pain.

Ultimately, this is about candor—being open and honest in expression. Holding back, though comfortable at times, leads to pain when unshared words and feelings should have been honored. Despite thinking I had communication mastered, I now acknowledge I'm still a student in the business and life game. To witness joy in either realm, one must embrace communication with candor early and often in any relationship.

As much as I'd love to conclude with actionable advice, I humbly acknowledge that, at this moment, I'm not the one to offer it. Instead, I'm compelled to revisit communication missteps, invest time in improvement, and accept that perpetual learning and openness are key to enhancing communication with friends, family, colleagues, and clients.

Here’s to progress, not perfection.