On Zorba

I had the occasion this weekend, while hunkered down in an early winter blizzard, to watch the movie Zorba the Greek. While watching, I was struck by a particular line in the film, when Zorba was confused by his boss's admonition, "Everything, men, animals, trees, stars, we are all one substance involved in the same terrible struggle. What struggle? Turning matter into spirit." Zorba replied by first scratching his head and saying, " I've got a thick skull boss, I don't grasp these things easily. Ah, if only you could dance all that you've just said, then I'd understand...Or if you could tell me all that in a story boss."

Bosses, business owners, government officials, parents, we all can learn a lesson from Zorba. Clarify your communication and know who you are talking to. Rather than simply relaying the message, confirm that they have not only heard what you have said; but, more importantly, that they understand what the message is.

I think all too often today the sender of the message doesn't care. And, more often than not, wants to insure that the message is misunderstood. Communication today seems more intent upon propaganda in business, government, relationships and controlling the message than it does about sharing it. Perhaps, and hopefully, the listeners will begin to hold the senders accountable for their messages and we will be more open to "dancing together rather than dancing alone" so we can truly be understood.