Remember the game "Telephone" we used to play as children? A group of children sitting in a circle; one thinks of a phrase like "Fuzzy monkeys like yellow bananas", whispers it into the ear of the child sitting next to them, and then that child whispers it to the next until the phrase goes all the way around the circle. The last child says out loud what they were told:
"Busy donkeys bike with bandannas"
Everyone laughs because they realize that's not what the 1st child originally said. It's a great illustration on how communication breaks down when it gets passed around from one person to the next; each time traveling further from the source.
It's hilariously funny with a group of kids at a party, but terribly destructive with adults in everyday life. When we pass along misinformation and misunderstandings we contribute to the breakdown of trust in relationships. This happens at work, in families, and in our friendships. Being a trust-worthy and life-giving person means that instead of calling others, you dial the source directly.
The next time you hear something that you are curious about, sounds a bit off, or you need clarification on, don't pass it along the circle...go to the source, assume the best, and you just might be surprised at what you actually hear.
