We went to my husband’s family reunion over the weekend and had a wonderful time. We spent nearly every waking minute laughing, joking and telling stories.

I love my husband’s family and look forward to our annual get-together.

But as wonderful as they are, my husband’s family is famous for miscommunication.

Much of the past weekend was spent sorting out a long-standing feud between an uncle and his former son-in-law and grandchildren.

The details are boring and irrelevant here, but I did observe some fundamental communication mistakes I see people make in both life and business.

• Communication happened via surrogates. The two people that should have been talking didn’t talk. Then or now. Solution? Always engage in direct and honest communication.
• Some of the parties involved didn’t pay attention to their audience. One person made an offhand remark that offended several others. Solution? Choose your words carefully and demonstrate a respectful attitude.
• There was more talking than listening. Interrupting, interjecting and formulating your next thought while someone else is talking are all no-nos. Solution? Remember that effective communication is always a two-way street.

And although the two central parties did not reconcile their differences in the least, there was definitely some bridge building that went on between the former in-law and the rest of us – thanks to a willingness to be open to hearing the other side and to let love and forgiveness reign.

Perhaps that is the greatest communication lesson of all.

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