Good communication, who’s responsibility?

Can we agree that good communication is proactive, not reactive?

The latter is widespread:

  • Reactive: “The client did the wrong thing again.” Proactive: I must teach them the right way more clearly.
  • Reactive: “That team member never seems to ‘get it’.” Proactive: I should been clearer and invest more time with them.
  • Reactive: “The prospect didn’t show up for the call.” Proactive: I didn’t make the call valuable enough, nor did I remind them of it.

In each case, they all want to be great. We have the privilege (and responsibility) of showing them how.