What Astronauts Know About Clear Communication
... and how it can transform your work
💡 The Big Idea
What can business leaders learn from astronaut communication? As it turns out, quite a lot. NASA's communication principles aren't just for astronauts—they can transform how leading organisations handle everything from board meetings to customer service. This week, we're bringing communication down to Earth.
🎯 Key Takeaways
1. The Business Case for Precision
NASA found that unclear communication wastes precious time and resources. Sound familiar? Instead:
Replace long emails with clear, actionable messages
Front-load key information—put your "ask" first
Eliminate confusion by using clear language everyone understands
2. Leading Global Teams
Whether you're managing a space station or a multinational corporation:
Replace technical jargon with universal language
Skip cultural idioms (e.g. "ball in your court," "bite the bullet")
Establish shared terminology for key processes
🔍 Why This Matters
Faster decision-making in high-pressure situations
Fewer misunderstandings in meetings and emails
Improved collaboration across departments
Clearer customer communications
📋 Put It Into Practice
Meeting Requests
❌ Before: "I was thinking we should probably get together sometime soon to discuss the marketing strategy when you have a chance."
✅ After: "Request 30-minute meeting to review Q4 marketing strategy. Available Monday or Tuesday 2-4pm."
Project Updates
❌ Before: "Just wanted to let you know that things are moving along with the project, although we've hit a few snags here and there, but we're working through them."
✅ After: "Project status: On track for December launch. Two risks identified: supplier delays and budget constraints. Solution proposal attached."
🚀 One Thing To Try This Week
In your next team meeting, practice the "front-load" principle: Start with your main point or request in the first sentence. Notice how this changes the pace and clarity of your discussion.
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