Published October 5, 2026

It has been said that marriages end due to finances. Researchers, however, have found that it is not the finances themselves but a lack of communication around the finances. Communication is critical to a successful relationship be it with family, friends, colleagues and even your partner. Communication must be clear, concise, complete, and correct

Clear Communication

To be clear is to be able to provide thoughts and ideas without confusion. When speaking with a person it is critical to be clear to ensure that they and you are on the same page. A strategy to do this is to avoid jargon. The reason for this is not everyone understands nor is everyone familiar with the same jargon. You should also seek clarity of understanding. A lack of fully understanding creates a break in the ability to process the information fully.

Concise Communication

Being concise occurs when information is provided with as few words as possible. Streamlining your words allows there to be less of a chance for things to get misinterpreted. Streamlining also saves time and allows space for the other person to share. It is necessary to be concise so that conversation is not lost.

Complete Communication

Did you provide all the information? In order to respond to someone it is necessary to know fully what is being said or asked. A response can only happen when the information is complete. Providing complete information ensures that what others respond to us does not need to be changed or adjusted. A lack of complete information leaves things for the other person to interpret or creates room for more questions.

Correct Communication

Communication if inaccurate does not allow for the receiver to be fully present or to fully respond. It is okay to say you do not know. It is okay to say I need to refer to someone else. It is okay to not have all the answers. The disservice comes when you make something up or are dishonest in providing the full picture.

It takes two or more to have a great conversation. As you begin to communicate with the various people in your life and that you may encounter I challenge you to lean in with curiosity and to avoid judgement. Operating in the lens of curiosity ensures that you are able to open to hear from the other persons perspective. As you hear and you have a chance to respond utilize the 4C's and watch your conversations go from ordinary to extraordinary.