Candid communication drives connection and performance at work. This month on the blog, we’re talking about speaking and listening.

Speaking involves the following speech acts:

  • Requests
  • Assertions
  • Assessments
  • Declarations

It’s important for leaders to distinguish between these if they want to communicate clearly and effectively. What do those speech acts look like in action?

  • Assertions: We need to do the dishes.
  • Assessments: I always do the dishes. It’s your turn.
  • Declarations: Do the dishes.
  • Requests: Please put the dishes in the dishwasher and handwash the pots before you go to bed tonight?

Often, we make assertions with an implied request or declaration. But this is not clear communication. Brene Brown says, “Clear is kind.” And clear is also more efficient and effective. Consider a recent miscommunication at work. Think about your experience as if sharing with a coworker. Reflecting on the four speech acts,

  • Where did your communication go wrong?
  • What can you do differently next time?

Candor is about being clear. Clear with teams about what you expect. Clear with clients about what you can deliver. Clear about what you don’t know yet.

It’s worth spending the time and effort to make sure you’re communicating what you mean to communicate, clearly and directly.