Thursday, December 29, 2016

Peter Drucker on Communication #2

2. Communication is expectation. We see/hear largely what we expect to see/hear. The unexpected is usually not received or it is ignored or misunderstood. The human mind attempts to fit impressions and stimuli into a framework of expectations. It resists vigorously any attempt to make it “change its mind,” that is, perceive what it doesn’t expect to perceive.

Before we can communicate, we must know what the recipient expects to see/hear. Only then can we know whether there is a need for an “awakening” that breaks through the recipient’s expectations and forces him to realize that the unexpected is happening.

3. Communication makes demands. It demands that the recipient become somebody, do something, or believe something. In other words, if communication fits with the beliefs, aspirations, values, or purpose of the recipient, it is powerful. If it goes against them, it is likely not to be received or be resisted. At its most powerful, communication affects a change of beliefs, aspirations, values, or purpose.

4. Communication and information are different and indeed largely opposite—yet interdependent. Where communication is perception, information is logic. The more information can be freed of the human component – of emotions, values, perceptions, and expectations – the more valid and reliable it becomes. Information is always encoded. To be received, let alone be used, the code must be known and understood by the recipient.

Similar to my comment in #1, I don’t entirely agree with this. I believe his ideas about many other things are stronger, and plan to make several more posts about them. 

No comments:

Post a Comment