Each weekend my family and I take out time to renew our faith and today's homily was one that resonated on a personal and professional level. The homily included the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) and how men who spoke the same language began speaking in their native tongues and could not understand each other. The homily reinforced how the breakdown in communication destroys many things including relationships, marriages, families and what could be possible. The destruction of babel is devastating in many ways when we cannot truly hear what others are saying.
As I reflected on the passage I could not help to think about a challenging project that involves many stakeholders who resemble those whom gathered in the Tower of Babel. Although we all speak English, we may not be listening to each other and understanding the language from the various perspectives that each of us represent. This morning's celebration continued on with a passage from the Acts 2 : "At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language". It's ironic that we all want the same result by making an impact on our company, although our "languages" and perspectives are clouding our judgment. The pressure of time and lack of communication is driving destruction. Ineffective communications are driving emotions and straining work relationships as making an impact becomes an even more distant reality.
Collaborating through challenging projects requires at a minimum trust, faith, and great communication. Take time to understand if your language and communication style is driving positive impact in your life whether at work or home. Are others hearing you and are you hearing them?
As I anticipate the week in front of me, I am reminded by Genesis 11:6:
"If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them"
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