Strategize To Succeed
PC227 – Intent v. Impact

 
     Welcome to the next episode of Strategize To Succeed™. Selectively applying the strategies which we discuss each week will help you as you progress from conditions to opportunities to successes.

     In today’s episode, we are going to discuss the relationship between intent and impact. At the outset, I will say that Your Mentor has gone down a rabbit hole this week. Initially, I knew that the subject of our podcast this week would be intent. Then, while researching the area, I explored the concepts of intentions and intentionality, along with their varying meanings and implications. Finally, I retreated from the philosophical nuances and regained my footing with the juxtaposition of intent and impact and communicating the information embodied in those concepts for clarity.

     Individually, the words “intent” and “impact” seem fairly mundane. You’re likely very familiar with their individual definitions. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary meaning of intent very simply is one’s purpose or state of mind when acting. And impact is defined as creating a significant or major effect from the impression or force of one thing onto another. 

     Both words are in common parlance, and one might even assert that both intent and impact are frequently overused. However, it is the often-unspoken relationship between these two words which we will explore today.

     Within the context of our discussion, intent and impact represent the difference between expectations and reality. Our intent captures our anticipation of a certain meaning being ascribed to the words which we have chosen. The counterbalance to our intent is the impact which our words and their intended meaning have on the recipient.

     If the impact of our words mirrors the expected intent of those words, then we have succeeded at communicating.

     But, as you and I both know, it is not uncommon for the meaning of the words which we think are very clear, and even obvious, to be twisted, turned around and reconfigured by the recipient into a completely different interpretation. Then, we have a problem.

     There are three primary reasons why communications fail on the trip from the intent to the impact. The first problem can occur when either the speaker fails to satisfactorily present his intent, or the recipient fails to receive and translate the intent so as to understand its impact.

     The second failure of communications occurs when the speaker misaligns their words and their actions so that there is an inconsistency between the two. This problem negates the possibility of achieving the intended impact.

     The final failure of successful communications occurs when the intent is well-communicated and completely understood, however, the communications fail because the recipient does not appreciate the intent which the speaker desires to convey.

     This inability to communicate does not represent an irreparable situation. By recognizing and reflecting on the situation, you have the opportunity to ask questions, resolve issues, and then repair the breach in communications before it has become entrenched.

     In the article, “Intent vs. Impact – Learn to use excellent communication skills,” found in the Black Sheep Community (April 29, 2022), several questions are presented which you should be prepared to explore when the intent and impact of your communications fails to meet.

     First, determine what was the basis for the misunderstanding? If the problem can’t be isolated, it becomes impossible to zero in on a solution. Certainly, until this matter is resolved, it becomes impossible to pursue further communications.

     Figure out why your intent wasn’t received as you planned by your listener. Where are the gaps in meaning? As you can imagine, if you don’t answer “why,” it becomes likely that you will repeat the miscommunication in the future.

     Then, review the situation and try out ways to make your communication style more effective.

     Also, do not overlook an assessment as to where the breakdown occurred; was it on your end with a faulty intent being communicated? Or, did the problem originate with a flawed impact and an issue coming from the recipient? Be honest in your evaluation. If the fault for the lack of communication was yours, be accountable for it.

     There is no question that it is more difficult to rectify a problem stemming from the recipient of the communication, particularly if they did not grasp your intent. But, if the problem is centered on the intent, there are certain steps which you can take to mitigate the damage, or at least to limit the possibility of a repeat problem emerging.

     First, make certain that your intent is absolutely crystal clear and direct. This is not the place for double meanings or any ambiguities.

     Initially, share your concerns directly with the receiving party. Although other individuals may become involved, ultimately, it is the recipient who can best judge the nature of the impact. And it is only when you further your communication efforts directly with them, that you will have the opportunity to rectify the situation.

     Incidentally, if you do make the effort to clarify the meaning of your intent with the recipient, be truthful about your initial intentions. Then, make sure to listen to the recipient to understand how your communicated intent either hit or missed its mark. Remember that a bit of empathy can go a long way toward improving communications.  

     After you have spoken to the recipient regarding a misguided impact, if you have questions about what you are doing incorrectly to formulate a clear intent, share your concerns with others who may be familiar with either the situation or the parties involved. From this exchange, you may be able to generate a better understanding of what is needed and what you can provide in your intent so that the impact becomes what you would hope it to be.

     There is also the concept of adaptation. If you cannot succeed by going forward, then go around or over or under. The point is that prior to communicating your intent, it is necessary to consider the nature of the recipient and anticipate how they would likely receive your intent. By giving some advance thought to the situation, and adjusting the form of your communication appropriately, you are more likely to achieve your objective and reduce the possibility of miscommunication with your recipient.

     The upshot of these suggestions is that there is a need for the person initiating communications by sharing their intent to take greater responsibility for the successful transmittal of such an intent so that the impact is properly received and confirmed, engendering a suitable response. This more cautious approach at the outset would seem to result in greater success in the communication of intent to impact.

     In the article, “Intent vs. Impact: The Communication Disconnect,” by Peter Lesser, (Enspira Human Resources, September 7, 2021), he clearly highlights the perspective of the recipient. “When someone says your impact was hurtful, they’re referring to their own experience and perception of your actions. By respecting their experience, you can respond in a way that fosters communication and connection, rather than alienation and resentment . . . Different people absorb, perceive, and respond to the same information in different ways, so the impact of your words or actions will vary depending on whom you’re talking to.” 

     The intent v. impact conundrum can perhaps best be summarized by author George Bernard Shaw. He wrote, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

     Thank you for sharing your time today. Remember, your application of strategic decision-making approaches can result in more beneficial outcomes for you, both professionally and personally. Why not turn that process into your opportunity?

Copyright 2022 by The Bermaelyn Group, LLC