I am a visual person. I believe that in most cases, most people absorb written or verbal information better when it is accompanied by an amplifying picture or graphic. Words by themselves often get lost in the translation (so to speak) when we are trying to convey important information. A picture or graph can be the difference between blank stares and nodding affirmation. When one is communicating to an individual, a group, or an organization, the words used should be simple and the pictures meaningful.
For example, I recently had the pleasure of presenting my team’s change and release schedule to senior management. In the past, this information was provided in the form of spreadsheets and calendars, but I created a simple graphic that explained it in a single page. I witnessed the looks of confusion change to understanding in a matter of seconds of displaying the picture. There is not anything special about this other than how my audience could now easily see the interrelationships between the different aspects of the release schedule. We were then able to easily collaborate and find ways to improve the overall schedule and even found some time for additional testing that had been requested.
The point of this is that, as managers, we must be able to communicate effectively. The effective use of appropriate visual aids is critical in helping others more clearly understand our perspectives, challenges, goals, and solutions. But it doesn’t need to stop there; ask for the amplifying images yourself the next time someone is trying to explain a complex issue to you. Together, you and your colleagues, friends, and team members can improve your organizational effectiveness by learning to be more effective communicators through the use of visual aids.
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