I got to talk at a recent regular gathering of colleagues, sort of a social event/workshop. Our activity this time was to identify which of our life areas needed some work. We did some writing and then divided into groups to share what we came up with.
I found that when I had to put into words what I was thinking about, I got something different than what I’d written. Not completely different, but I had to express it in a way that others would understand, so I had to think about it from the point of view of others.
And as I spoke, I could also hear myself and follow my own train of thought more clearly than I do on paper. I think that’s because I gloss over things or elide them when they seem obvious. To others, they aren’t obvious at all. Having to make them more obvious often shows me things I overlooked, or only thought I understood.
So, try this. If you’re stuck on part of a project or a plan, explain it to someone else. Pick someone who doesn’t know much about what you’re doing. Then you’ll really have to make it clear. To both of you.
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