Communicating Value

How We Communicate

I come from a non-profit, social service background and the previous organization I worked for, Covenant House Vancouver, has an overarching principle of “value communication.” Essentially, it is the idea that how and what we communicate is important. What we say and how we say it must come from a place of honesty, integrity and concern for the other person’s well-being. And it also involves another side of communication that is often lacking—listening —where we need to create a space where others are heard. These are skills I have learned and carried over professionally into my work in editing, photography, and writing.

How I Communicate

For the purposes of my small business, I have flipped this principle over into “communicating value.” My goal, as an editor, is to openly communicate and collaborate with my clients to ensure their writing is true to both them and their audience—that it is technically sound but also conveys the spirit of who they are or what their organization is about. As a photographer and a writer, it is about taking pictures and writing pieces that convey truth, beauty, and meaning—whether it is about my travels or the experience of the mundane in my everyday life.

The importance of open and clear communication is vital for both individual and organizational success. But more than success, it is about living life with integrity and value. By no means do I think I do this perfectly, but it is a something I continue to strive towards.

How Do You Communicate?

Does this resonate with you? How do you best communicate with others? How do you communicate value? I would love to hear from you.