Tag Archives: comprehension

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

I comprehend

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The difference between comprehension and understanding is a very fine line with the basic meaning of each term broadly overlapping.  However there is some subtlety to be applied when using these terms.

I would highlight this by noting, true comprehension requires much more than just  understanding.   Comprehension is generally broader and more holistic.

While understanding is at it’s core, comprehension includes the ability to conceptualize the broader context.  Fitting the various pieces together to form a broader and greater understanding, comprehension is really the next level.

Subjective

Understanding contains a subjective component.  I understand is all about you.  Your understanding might not match that of others but if not confusion can certainly arise.

Comprehension implies the broader context of taking others views into account, i.e., the bigger picture and translating this to a universal meaning that is not self centric.

Piecing together all the information rather than focus on a single point of understanding is the only way to be in a position to truly comprehend the situation.

Avoid Misconception

Understanding based on your own personal conception is common.  It is the baseline and how the majority of us develop conclusions.  Taking the time to fully comprehend can lead to avoidance of misunderstanding.

This is not a silver bullet.  Believing you have full comprehension in a particular circumstance does not mean that is so, validation is still needed.  Take the time to build a fact based objective foundation.

Working to fully comprehend both implies and requires looking more broadly and the situation and combining individual understanding into a cohesive whole.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Figuring it Out

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Not knowing the answer is to a problem or issue is a normal state of affairs.  A large portion of our lives is spent on figuring things out.  Though it does not always feel like it, figuring it out is exciting and invigorating.

Without the need to determine what and how to act, basically seeking purpose, our lives would be boring and to a large extent meaningless.   We need the challenge of not knowing.

Approaches

There are many ways to figure things out.  These range from just passively following along to proactively analyzing options and planning a course of action.

Typically there is some balance between passive and proactive actions geared toward figuring out what to do.  Detailed analysis and planning can be overkill while coasting along and hoping for the best can be very risky.

Optimism

Recognizing that figuring things out is both natural and satisfying helps to address issues or problems where we often ask “why?” or ‘why me?’.

Actually, the need to determine what to do, that is, how to best spend your time, how to create pleasure and enjoyment for yourself, is really just what living is all about.

You will be able to figure it out, we always do, although the outcomes may not be fully desirable, ultimately they will be acceptable (You just need to figure out what acceptable looks like.)

To quote the lyrics of popster Bobby McFerrin’s hit song from the 1980s, “Don’t worry, be happy”.    The key to making this mantra a reality for yourself is believing there is nothing you can’t figure out.

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Clarity

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When communicating the qualities of transparency and coherence coupled with the intelligibility of message are critical to making a real impact.

The substantive power of the message is diminished if it is not clear.  The point must be comprehensible and the measure of clarity is whether the communication is understood.

Understanding

The intended meaning must be the same for both the sender and the recipient for understanding to have occurred.   Validation by asking questions to determine if the message was clear is a viable approach to checking for understanding, but not failsafe.

Even when probing open-ended questions are used, all parties to the communication could be fooled.  That is both you and them may be convinced the intended meaning was clear, however, at a later date gain surprising evidence that it actually was not.

Guiding Principles

Although following up to confirm clarity in communication is a best practice, it is not always practical, nor, as previously noted, foolproof.   The best approach is to for the communication to be founded on clarity.

Here are some simple principles to follow:

  • Keep it simple.  The audience, whether for a written or verbal communication, tends to tune out when bored or not read everything.
  • Keep their interest.  Tell the story in a straightforward way.  Focus on your audience and cater to their interests so they will stay tuned.  The storyteller has accountability for setting the context for active listening as much as the receiver.
  • Be direct. Use the active voice, that keeps others interest by leaving out extraneous, bureaucratic or potentially confusing points.  That is, get to the point.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Understanding

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Individually we can interpret or view something in a particular way, that is our understanding.  When sharing, for us to be understood, others must perceive the intended meaning as expected (e.g. our words, language, or even speaking style).

Understanding is not achieved magically and requires effort.  As well it is important to contextualize your intent.  Are you seeking a common understanding or to be understood, or just for personal purposes (understanding for self-satisfaction)?

Common Understanding

Creating a common understanding is underpinned by communication.  It is a combination of sending and receiving coupled with validation.

This multi-way interaction is the only way to create the opportunity for each individual participant to arrive at commonality.  Everyone processes information in their own way so how the common understanding may be achieved differs for each person.

The importance of how understanding is achieved lies in the journey to get there.  The value of being able to validate that everyone interprets and views the thing, in the same way, is represented by the outcomes, which are more likely to be lower quality if misunderstanding is prevalent.

Individual Understanding

Most of us seek to resolve the mysteries around us, both complex and simple concepts, by figuring out what they are, why they occur and ultimately how we should react.

In some cases, there is great value in sharing your determination in common with other determinations.  This typically occurs when you must interact with others for success.

However, there are cases where understanding something can be solely for your personal satisfaction.  In these cases the achievement of understanding is satisfying but does not need to be shared.