Reading time: 21 seconds

I entered my hotel room, stood my rolling carry-on upright and set my briefcase on the desk.  That’s when I saw the Post-It note affixed to the lap desk that sat on the bed.

Why were they telling me this?  Haven’t they always done that or is this a new practice?  If this is new, who did I unknowingly sleep with on my previous visits?  I started getting creeped out.

I guessed that the hotel management wanted to assure me that I had no reason to fear bed bugs.  Or perhaps there had been some scandal about hotels being less than vigilant in their housekeeping practices.  They didn’t explain, so I was left to my own devices to decode that note.  And be creeped out.

Communication is one of the most difficult things we humans do and it is rife with opportunity for misunderstanding that can lead to conflict, straining of relationships and an enormous waste of energy.  That’s why you have to be clear and complete in your communication in your role as leader.  Check for understanding (“What are you hearing?”) and be diligent in your follow through with the people who look to you for leadership.

Otherwise, they may misunderstand and it’s likely that everyone will have a “dirty sheets” moment.

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