Okay, let’s talk about “true definition” today. To be honest, I didn’t really think too much about this term at first. It was just something that popped up in my daily work.
So, I was working on a project, and we were having a team meeting. You know how it is, people throwing around ideas, debating this and that. And I noticed something – we kept getting stuck on certain points because people had different understandings of what certain terms meant. It wasn’t like we were using complicated jargon or anything, just everyday words, but it felt like we were speaking different languages sometimes.
That got me thinking, how often do these kinds of misunderstandings happen? And not just in meetings, but in any kind of communication. So, I started doing a little experiment. Whenever I was in a conversation, or even just reading something, I paid extra attention to the words being used, especially the ones that seemed obvious.
I began to unpack the definition. What do they mean when people are using these words? Did it have multiple layers of meaning? How can I understand it better? These were the questions I was asking myself.
- First, I tried to define the words as clearly as possible. Not in a dictionary way, but in a way that made sense in the context we were using them.
- Then, I tried to use these definitions consistently. That was actually harder than it sounds. It’s easy to slip back into old habits.
- And finally, I started asking people to clarify what they meant when they used certain words. Not in a confrontational way, just a simple, “Hey, can you explain what you mean by that?”
It was a slow process, for sure. But you know what? It made a difference. Our team meetings became more productive. We spent less time arguing over semantics and more time actually solving problems. And on a personal level, I felt like I was understanding people better, and being understood better, too.
So, what’s the “true definition” here? I guess it’s the idea that clarity in communication is not about complex words or concepts. Instead, it’s about taking the time to make sure everyone is on the same page about the simple stuff. It’s not that difficult to make sense of the complex information if the foundation is solid. It’s about understanding that words have power, and that even the most common words can have different meanings to different people. It’s about being willing to unpack those meanings, to define them, and to use them consistently.
It might seem like a small thing, but it’s made a big difference in my life. And I think it can make a difference for others, too. That’s why I wanted to share this little experiment. Maybe it’ll inspire someone else to take a closer look at the words they use, and the way they communicate. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help us all understand each other a little bit better. Give space to others and listen to them, it will help you avoid a lot of misunderstandings. I really enjoy sharing these practices with all of you.
