Crossing Signals Weblog

Communication. Let us first start with defining it for the purpose of this article; Communication is the process used to convey information between people. A pre-requisite for communication is a common language that all parties involved understand. This is where it becomes tricky. What is a common language? Is it the language we speak in the country we live in? Is it the language we speak as experts in our field? Is it the language we use when explaining stuff to our children? Or, is it the body language we use to express how we feel? Depending on context any mix of the above is used to communicate between people. What we at Crossing Signals like to add to the mix is the language of metaphors.

Why metaphors? For the simple reason that when people use certain words to express themselves, others will have different values attached to those words and since we are not aware of the differences, miscommunication is almost unavoidable. Metaphors can shape our perceptions and actions without our ever noticing them. A very interesting book on this subject is ‘Metaphores we live by’ by George Lakoff.

Let me give you an example. We have a group of four where one man stands up to express his vision on what needs to be done. When he uses the word vision, it is about new ideas, concepts and possibilities. When hearing the word vision, the second person expects to hear about a new structure and rules to adhere to that will improve his situation. The third expects to hear about concrete results to aim for that can be tested and validated based on facts. The fourth expects a story about values that can be achieved by working together with kindred spirits. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that these four will have a serious challenge in integrating and consolidating their wishes into a common purpose, shared goals, and dare I say it, Vision.

The same goes for many other words we use as metaphors of values we want to reach or aspire to. Truth, justice, respect, honor all are things that are perceived differently given the context you are in. “If my daughter were to be seen speaking to a man that is not her brother or her intended husband, my honor is compromised and I am justified in killing her.” Unimaginable in Western culture, but a very clear example of the same word meaning very different things depending on context. Within teams this is off course a much more subtle process, as my example on vision showed. A process that is rarely if ever addressed because it is simply not acknowledged or brought up for fear of it taking too long and delivering too little. But just imagine if we could create a vision that is grounded in a solid structure, is supported by facts and is based on and delivers values a target audience will aspire to? This would be the ideal result of collaboration between all four people in my example in the previous paragraph. It would bring an integrated vision that has something for everyone without the dreaded compromises of one dimensional approaches.

At Crossing Signals, this is one of the most important things we do. Make transparent to each team member what other members mean when they use the words (metaphors) they do! As a result, we let everybody contribute with what he or she is good at, even excels at. As a result we help teams create integrated multi-dimensional solutions that add value to all people in their target audience. We create an understanding in the teams we work with: the subtle differences in the meaning and value people address to words are essential to creating a common language and provide a solid base for trust and respect. We provide feedback on the values and worldviews underlying people’s choice of words. This in turn increases transparency, provides a clear road to a common purpose and shared goals, and improves the chances of working in your strength with others who do the same. As said, this allows everybody to do what he or she does best and to create ideal solutions grounded in a common purpose, instead of trying to be good at everything and ending up with mediocre compromises. It gives people the means to be authentic, unique and happy in the understanding that they are adding value to a team by being themselves. There is no better motivator. What is more, it helps overcome one of the most important obstacles for effective and creative teamwork, you like to be held accountable for something you are good at.