This is one of my favorite quotes because it applies to almost every interaction we have, yet most of the time we fail to recognize its truth. Those of you who are parents can certainly relate. My parents used to say that whatever they told me went in one ear and out the other. They would tell me one thing and find me doing the exact opposite 30 minutes later.

We tend to believe that communication is easy. We do it every day—what could possibly be difficult about such a simple concept? What we fail to take into account is that each of us operates within our own paradigm, shaped by our unique journey through life. No two paths are the same, and as a result, no two interpretations are the same.

What makes perfect sense to the person delivering the message is filtered through the internal operating system of the person receiving it—often resulting in a completely different meaning. And yet, we assume that saying something once should be enough. It’s not enough for us, and it won’t be enough for those we lead either.

In reality, communication is complex. It requires a sender who encodes a message, sends it through a medium often filled with noise, to a receiver who decodes it based on their own experiences, beliefs, and context. And we hope—sometimes blindly—that the message lands as intended.

But the odds are not in our favor.

Too often, we move on confident that we were clear, only to be disappointed when the outcome doesn’t match our expectations. Communication can feel like sending smoke signals on a windy day—what we send is rarely what is seen.
Great leaders don’t assume communication has taken place—they ensure it has.

So today, consider how you can increase clarity in the messages you send.
How can you confirm understanding instead of assuming it?
What changes can you make to ensure your message is not just delivered—but truly received?