About this Opinion Series
Right-communication is a concept that connects each of us at Ivy Sea, Inc., and attracts many of our clients and network collaborators. Here, we share our individual thoughts, desires and beliefs about what right-communication is, and why it’s important.

Below, Sarah Fenson, Ivy Sea's Guide for Client Services and Collaboration Networks, shares her perspectives on, and corresponding beliefs about, right-communication:

From my perspective, right-communication isn’t literally about right or wrong. It’s about intention, and how one translates his or her intention into action. To illustrate my point, I'd like to share a few specific perspectives and correlating beliefs that I hold regarding right-communication in action.

Perspective: I believe that, like Humpty Dumpty, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men (a.k.a. funding, resources, vehicles, etc.) cannot create right-communication without a meaningful, purposeful intention behind the behavior. In fact, I’ve witnessed attempts to improve communication — and glean the benefits of that communication — by throwing money at collateral that simply didn’t serve the audience or the company.

Belief: Going through the motions of developing communication deliverables does not mean you’re communicating well. Your intention is what fuels right-communication.

Perspective: Right-communication is also an awareness of your intention, including shortcomings, shadow sides and authentic nature (and whether you're being authentic). It’s this awareness that allows you to grow and understand which of your rough edges need polishing. This personal evolution inevitably steers you toward the tools and practices that allow you to be true to your intention without compromising relationships or being unclear.

Belief: Being aware of your intention, and addressing it in a healthy manner, are the first steps towards right-communication.

Perspective: Right-communication is an ever-flowing set of behaviors that spring from a personal value system. There isn’t one way to express right-communication, except that your actions are manifestations of your intention and values — whether on a personal or organizational level.

Belief: A solid understanding of yourself (or your organization) makes right-communication a more natural way for you to express yourself, reducing potential conflicts between what you feel or believe, and the action you take.

Nourished by a genuine interest in and care for others’ ideas and perspectives, right-communication does not mean agreement with others’ ideas and perspectives, nor does it require "being nice" all the time. It requires you to be true to your deepest intention. What’s yours?

Visit the next contribution to this e-dialogue:

Jamie Walters continues the dialogue with her perspective on the question "what is right communication?"

This individual opinion is provided as food for thought rather than counsel specifically designed to meet the needs of your organization. Please receive it mindfully. The most effective interpersonal, leadership or organizational communication plan should be tailored to your unique needs, so don't hesitate to get assistance from a trusted advisor or subject-matter expert.

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