At a time when misunderstandings are proliferating and every word can make a difference, the Communication Compass gives you the exact coordinates for success. This revolutionary approach is based on four dimensions which, like the cardinal points of a timeless compass, guide you through the most complex areas of human interaction. Ready to radically transform the way you communicate?
The Communication Compass is made up of four essential dimensions: Willing, Knowing, Being able and Having to. Like the cardinal points of a compass, each of these dimensions is made up of two sub-dimensions that work together to guide you towards effective, balanced communication.
The WANT dimension (North) ❤️
The WANT dimension is based on two sub-dimensions:
– The Will or Desire 🔥 which conditions the act, the action of communicating: ‘Do I want to communicate?’ This sub-dimension represents intrinsic motivation, the energy needed to initiate the exchange. Without this will, communication risks being forced, disengaged or absent.
– Intention 🎯: knowing what we put behind this communication: ‘Is my intention positive or negative?’ Intention defines the state of mind with which we approach the exchange. A positive intention (to inform, to share, to build) will produce different results to a negative intention (to manipulate, to hurt, to dominate).
The KNOW dimension (East) 🧠
The Knowledge dimension is based on two sub-dimensions:
– The Objective 🚩 which determines the goal to be achieved through this communication action: ‘What do I need to communicate for?’ Effective communication requires a clear vision of what we want to achieve, whether to inform, convince, question or create a link.
– Content 📝: having the right words, the right vocabulary: ‘How do I choose my words?’ This sub-dimension concerns the mastery of language, adapting vocabulary to the person you are speaking to, and the precision and clarity of what you say. Well-mastered content facilitates understanding and avoids misunderstandings.
The POWER dimension (South) 💪
The Power dimension is based on two sub-dimensions:
– Courage 🦁 to say the sometimes difficult but necessary things: ‘Do I have the courage to say these things?’ This sub-dimension involves the ability to tackle delicate subjects, give constructive feedback, set limits or express disagreements assertively.
– The Means 🛠️ in terms of techniques, tools, context, situation or simply timing: ‘Do I have my means and is it the right time? This sub-dimension concerns the resources available to communicate effectively: timing, environment, communication channels, technical skills and conditions conducive to exchange.
The DUTY dimension (West) ⚖️
The Duty dimension is based on two sub-dimensions:
– Moral Sense 🧭: ‘Is my communication ethical and respectful?’ This sub-dimension concerns the ethical principles that guide our communication, such as honesty, respect, benevolence and integrity. Responsible communication takes into account its impact on others.
– Responsibility 📊 ‘Am I aware of the consequences of my communication?’ This sub-dimension involves consideration of the effects of our words and silences, as well as a commitment to taking responsibility for the repercussions of our communication.
Interactions and conflicts between the dimensions 🔄🌪️
The four dimensions of the Compass constantly interact, sometimes creating synergies, sometimes tensions that influence our communication. These interactions can be harmonious or conflictual:
– Want vs. Duty: A manager may intend to motivate his team (Want) but also need to share difficult information about restructuring (Duty). This conflict can lead to ambiguous or double-message communication. For example, announcing redundancies while talking about future opportunities, creating confusion and mistrust.
– Know vs Power: A doctor has the technical knowledge to explain a serious diagnosis (Knowledge), but may lack appropriate resources such as a private environment or sufficient time (Power). This tension can compromise the quality of communication and patient support.
– Want vs. Know: A parent may intend to protect their teenager (Want) but use an overly authoritarian or outdated vocabulary (Know), causing the opposite effect of what they intended – rejection and rebellion rather than understanding.
– Power vs. Duty: A journalist may have the courage and means to publish sensational information (Power) but must consider the ethical impact of that publication on the people involved (Duty). This tension often defines the boundary between investigative journalism and sensationalism.
In some cases, these dimensions can also reinforce each other:
– A positive intention (Want) combined with a strong sense of morality (Duty) can provide the strength (Power) to tackle a difficult conversation with a colleague about their inappropriate behaviour.
– A mastery of content (Know) combined with the appropriate means (Power) enables a teacher to transform a complex lesson into an engaging and effective learning experience.
The ability to recognise these interactions and navigate between these tensions is an integral part of mastering communication. Like a navigator constantly adjusting their course in the face of headwinds, the skilled communicator knows how to recalibrate their compass to stay on course for authentic and effective communication. 🧩
Navigating between dimensions 🔄
Just as a compass guides the traveller, these four dimensions guide the communicator. To navigate effectively in your exchanges, you need to consult each cardinal point of this compass regularly. North (Will) provides impetus and direction, East (Know) provides clarity and precision, South (Power) provides resources and strength, and West (Duty) ensures ethical balance.
Fully effective communication relies on this compass to:
– Orient itself towards clear intentions and defined objectives 📢
– Choose the right course using appropriate and precise language 🗣️
– Mobilise courage and resources to overcome obstacles 🎭
– Maintain an ethical and responsible course 🤝
Does your communication live up to your ambitions? Now is the time to transform the way you communicate and achieve unprecedented efficiency in your exchanges!
📋 Starting today:
1. Evaluate your compass: Identify which dimension is your strong point and which deserves more attention.
2. Choose an important upcoming exchange and prepare for it by consciously consulting each cardinal point of your compass.
3. Document your progress: Note how using this compass transforms your interactions.
This Communication Compass is therefore an invaluable tool for finding your bearings, adjusting your direction and reaching your destination in all the territories of human exchange: professional, personal, formal or informal. 😊
My new tool certainly calls for improvement, so thank you for all your comments and feedback!
