ForConstructionPros.com

"OK, and now a little insight into the most difficult thing we do and the oldest problem for construction leaders … communication!"

I've used some variation of this statement with many a construction leader over the past 20 years. How can something so old, like communication, continue to take its toll on so many of us in leadership?

Sooner or later you will give instructions to an employee on a particular task or project only to have that employee begin his or her efforts doing exactly the opposite of what you instructed. You'll look at your employee and say, "Hey, didn't I tell you to do this?" and the employee will respond, "Yes!" And then you'll ask, "Then why didn't you do it that way?" To which the employee will respond, "I thought you meant this!"

Before you lose it completely and begin to question your own sanity, let me share with you eight rules that might put more consistency and accuracy into your communication with others.

#1 Don't assume.
I know this sounds easy but in the busy schedule of our days it is too easy to rip off a list of duties or directions and assume those listening are just as focused as you, only to find the opposite later. You might remember the old saying, "Don't assume as it will make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'."