I was once asked if the leadership team I was working with was having a communication problem. While communication is one of the most visible symptoms of what’s happening in a team, communication is rarely the problem.

Communication is when we exchange some information. It might be verbal or non-verbal. But it is still an exchange of information. Communication is the result of a person’s mindsets, values, beliefs, and fears.

The next time you think your team is having a communication issue, ask yourself what might be behind it. Better yet, ask a powerful question and start to draw out what the other person knows is behind the words.

Communication is a symptom, and yet rarely the problem.

You’ve got this.