I’m sitting in a meeting, internally rolling my eyes, because “Chad” has hijacked it again. At this point, his voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me, as he repeats the same tired axe that he always grinds. This meeting isn’t even about what he’s talking about! And I can’t help noticing that he’s wrong about some of the things he’s saying. I choose not to engage because I’ve learned from past attempts that it’s better to just sit through it than try to correct him and start an argument.
Have you ever worked with someone like this? Poor communicators such as “Chad” actively waste time and money due to their ineffective communication.
Effective communicationinvolves many skills, one of which is following the unwritten rules of communication. These rules are known as Grice’s Maxims, and they look like this:
Maxim of Quantity: Give as much information as required, but no more.
How it works: Avoids wasting the time of high-level decision makers. Keeps detail-oriented discussions at the right level of the organization.
What to do: Calibrate in advance on how much information the listener needs or wants to make a decision or move forward. Aim for less information when dealing with high-level decision makers.
Maxim of Quality: Try to be truthful and avoid giving false information.
How it works: Builds psychological safety and trust. Strengthens your credibility.
What to do: Do not “fake it till you make it.” Learn how to say “I don’t know” effectively.
Maxim of Relevance: Say things that are relevant to the current topic of conversation.
How it works: Keeps the meeting/conversation on task, allowing you to get things done.
What to do: Do not “hijack” the meeting/conversation with your own agenda. Use a “parking lot” for items that are not relevant now but need to be revisited later.
Maxim of Manner: Avoid ambiguity; be clear, brief, and orderly.
How it works: Eliminates confusion about what is meant in conversations and meetings.
What to do: Avoid jargon and “word salad.” Use plain English that everyone can understand. Plan ahead to organize your thoughts and how to say them.
The next time you’re glazing over while someone speaks at work or in a meeting, ask yourself: Is it the right amount? Is it truthful? Is it relevant? Is it clear? And then be a friend and share your feedback with the speaker at another time. Or send them to a good communication coach who can help them implement some changes! (I might know one.)
This is how you save time and money with communication—become more effective and help those around you do the same.
Bonus: It also saves you the pain of listening to the “Chads” of your office.
