Invisible Idiot was the result of a poor translation of Out of Sight out of Mind..
...I like this old urban legend. It makes me remember that even when I am speaking to someone in the same native language, things can get lost in translation. Meaning is easily lost from one person to another since each of us has a subtly different point of view, derived from our own set of personal circumstances.
In an offhand remark years ago, I once told one of my managers to thank the team and “make sure they’re really happy,” and he told everyone they were getting a raise. What a mess. Clearly, I had not spent enough time with him to understand how he needed to hear things, so I was surprised to learn how such a statement might yield unintended results.
Good communication takes time. It takes time to talk, to warm up and trust, and to understand. Establish the rapport early though, before a time-critical need for vital communications arises. You needn’t make a big deal of out it. Quietly and one by one, meet with your people. The agenda: I just wanted to check in with you.
