Communication isn't always as easy as it seems

Last week I had some out-patient surgery done at the hospital, and the hospital - with their ever vigilant security - kept asking me questions about my name, condition, birthdate, and similar information to make sure I was alert and that they were treating the right person.

During one of these give-and-takes, I was asked where the procedure was being done. I thought they were asking me where in the hospital it was being done - just as conversation. I answered that I didn't know - because I didn't.

They really were asking on which part of my body ("where?") the procedure was being done (just for verification and to see if I knew - they already knew).

We both had a good laugh, but no communication occurred until the actual question was clarified. It made a little difference in the answer.

By-the-way, everything worked out fine.

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16 Comments on Communication isn't always as easy as it seems

You're right. Communication is so important. Sometimes we are saying something and the client is hearing something totally different. Get well soon!

05/05/2008 09:55 AM by AmState Realty Solutions LLC

Communication is a tricky thing.  Sometimes we perceive to understand what someone is saying when in fact they mean something else.  It is always good to clarify.

05/05/2008 09:56 AM by Maria Holland (American Heritage, ABR,GRI)

AmState Realty - thanks for jumping right in with your agreement - and your good wishes. It's so easy to think we all know what we're talking about when that isn't the case.

05/05/2008 09:58 AM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

Maria - so true. I find that sometimes we don't say everything that is important because we think the other person already has this information.

05/05/2008 09:59 AM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

Communication.....

   It is so important in every aspect of our lives and yet we don't work on it enough. Great story it made me think. Thanks

05/05/2008 10:15 AM by Sonja Babic/Prudential Clear Water Realty

Sonja - thanks for your comments. We are supposed to professional communicators so we definitely have to keep working on our skills.

05/05/2008 10:21 AM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

communication is . . . . . . not! or is it? what do you mean?

05/06/2008 05:04 PM by Peter Z. Nikic

Peter, thanks for your comment. but I'm not sure what you mean - it seems you're not sure what I mean. Therefore we definitely are not communicating, because a message needs to be received as well as understood. Can I help clarify my point for you?

05/06/2008 06:05 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

Glad you are OK, I was afraid the story was going to end with you having the wrong leg removed or something!

05/06/2008 06:08 PM by Virginia Hepp Mesquite NV REALTOR>> Mesquite NV Real Estate (Mesquite GMAC Real Estate)

Virginia, thanks for your concern. I don't think I'd be printing anything gruesome. I go more for the funny.

05/06/2008 06:33 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

Steve, it was as clear to you as I made it. that was the point:-)

05/07/2008 07:25 AM by Peter Z. Nikic

Peter, I get it. Thanks for clarifying. A good way of expressing it.

05/07/2008 07:58 AM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

I thought you might. It is interesting sometimes to be able to cummunicate with someone without actually using words. as if almost by mental telepathy.

 

05/07/2008 09:46 AM by Peter Z. Nikic

Peter, thanks. When I originally read what you sent I guess I must have been distracted (also not good for communication to occur) because I didn't see it for what it was.

05/07/2008 10:02 AM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

I'm glad you got the question clarified.  That seem to be a bad time to have a communication breakdown.

I trust all is well and you are successfully recovering from your procedure.

05/07/2008 02:06 PM by Find a Notary Public | needAnotary (QEC Internet Services)

needAnotary - thanks for your comments and concern. So far, everything is progressing toward a complete recovery.

05/07/2008 02:14 PM by Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)

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Real Estate Trainer: Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates)
Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies
West Palm Beach, FL
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