I saw this on a recent journey on public transport.  Thankfully no one on my trip had a need to press the red button.

 

This communication left me in no doubt about its purpose:  quick, easy access, to someone who will listen, and can give us the information we seek.

 

But what does “communication” mean mean when we’re not in an emergency?

 

I know so many managers who get everyday communication just right.  They do it well face-to-face, or remotely.  They can speak, and write, and listen and empathise.  They encourage, they use humour, they remain positive.  They can give feedback, present, persuade and negotiate.

 

And at the risk of raising the alarm . . . I know many who get it very, very wrong.  And they end up creating the very emergency we’re simply trying to avoid.