A flash of insight last night:
When we complain of broken communications, we are often missing the point.
Communications are the usual and most obvious means of demonstrating our relationships.
When we say communications need fixing, it is usually that something about the relationship itself needs attention.
I don't need a communcations strategy to talk to those I care about. I do it because they are on my mind, I enjoy their company, and I want to share with them the things in my life.
Can I extend this to myself? Absolutely. One could argue I went quiet for a while because I'm reconsidering my relationship with this blog.
To mend fundamental communications problems, look first at whether the hearts and attitudes involved are in the right place, and being looked after. It's harder work speaking openly and sorting things out. It's a bigger investment in time and emotion than creating a spreadsheet around audiences and intended outcomes - and you can't delegate it. There's a place for both.
But if you want your communications to make people feel cared about, you'd better start with actually caring.
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