Too many words

Recently, I have been on a committee that is reviewing old guidelines, handbooks, etc. and there is one thing that became crystal clear right away.  When comparing what we have (or don't have) to other agency's, we tend to go all or nothing.  Meaning, 50 million words to describe a process, or none at all.  Sigh.

What a mailbox used to look like!

Unfortunately, the same holds true for meetings.  Have you ever noticed how much is said at a meeting that is unnecessary?  Out of context?  Repetitive?  Repetitive?  Repetitive?

Seriously, some meetings sound like this?  Participant:  "I think the sky is blue".  Me:  "I understand what you are saying, but if you look out the window, today it is purple".  Participant:  Okay, I think the sky is blue".  Not. kidding.  There are times when no matter what is said, one (or more) people will have the same answer for every comment.  WHY????

I will tell you why.  Listening is optional.  If you don't listen, you don't have to change your tune.  

IMHO, that must be why so many people like to "tweet".  It is a continuous process of 140 characters (not counting quotes, pools, videos, or images) at a time, shouting out....well, basically, whatever.  This is a huge upgrade from normal conversation where both parties are typically engaged, and some even listen.  

The other day, I was reviewing some different Twitter accounts I follow.  Here is what I found.  For those who are heavily involved in this one-sided conversation, you can learn all you need to know about what's going on with them....and not one word is exchanged.  Now, before I call, I can check certain accounts and quickly find out  - They are up, they had coffee, they are at work, they hate work, they want to go to lunch.  It's lunchtime.  They love a sports team.  Later, they are mad at same sports team.  It's beer o'clock.  Time to leave work.  Meeting friends .....(catch my drift)

And those are the individual contributors.  Every politician, magazine, newspaper, 501(c)3, etc etc also have to tweet what is going on with them.

Social media has changed how we communicate (and therefore, relate) to each other.  It is another form of instant gratification.  One can't expect to have intimate conversations with friends and family once they "go live".  It is a one stop shopping experience.  

Don't get me wrong.  I am not complaining (for the most part).  It's just an observation.

Maybe I should tweet that.

Until next time,

 (just saw on twitter that you can fill a water balloon with anything, it doesn't have to be water) 

#lifechanging

your pal,

Kari