Lexis – protector of men ?

“Lexis” (“words”) derived from Alexandros, the Greek name meaning “protector of men”. Words do protect and hurt. We, of all other animals, have this mental faculty: the power of communication, the power of language. Thanks to this value we’ve been granted the title of homo sapiens. We appreciate beauty and aesthetics, we have a strong desire for self-expression through art, literature and music, we want to understand and influence the environment.

However, we are not always wise enough to understand the man next to us. And we don’t notice that miscommunication sometimes happens because of physical barriers. Look around at work, or at home, in the street or in class. There are lots of things that hinder effective communication between people, irrespective of how articulate and good communicator you are. Lexis can’t protect.

You are a parent and your five years old won’t listen to you? Don’t start a dialogue before you have limited or

Are you an efficient, kind, agreeable communicator, or an angry one?

You know what a good conversation is at a dinner party: lively dialogue, respectful participants, a variety of subjects, laughter, we don’t deny ignorance or mistakes and listen to the others’ opinions willingly to learn, or pretending to be in admiration. To sum it up, it’s talking with people. On the other hand, the communications of leaders (executives, parents, teachers etc) is talking at people, preaching to them rather then getting involved in a dialogue.

When people forget the interactive nature of communication the implications are disastrous. Directors, parents, teachers who force their listeners to listen, just because they have the capacity to, and “know what they want” will face the implications: health problems, failure, hostile attitudes, destroy relationships, undermines teamwork and trust. Here’s a mix of questions   to anyone in an authority position.