When you consider how many people are really not good at

Host: The café was calm, with the soft murmur of background conversations blending with the occasional clink of coffee cups. The warm afternoon light filled the room, casting a cozy glow over the table where Jack and Jeeny sat. Jack seemed deep in thought, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. Jeeny, sensing his mood, waited for him to speak.

Host: After a brief silence, Jack looked up, his voice reflective.

Jack: “I came across a quote today from Michael Gerber. He said, ‘When you consider how many people are really not good at communication in general and interviewing in specific, it's no wonder that many companies struggle to build high-quality partnerships — or even staffs.’ It made me think about how communication is often overlooked, even though it’s such a vital part of building successful teams and partnerships. Do you think that a lot of challenges in business and relationships come down to poor communication?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, clearly engaged by his question. She leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but filled with insight as she responded.

Jeeny: “I think Gerber is absolutely right. Communication is the foundation of everything — whether it’s building a team, creating partnerships, or even personal relationships. So often, we assume that people understand each other, but without clear and effective communication, misunderstandings and misalignments can easily arise. In business, especially, if leaders and teams aren’t able to communicate their ideas and expectations effectively, it’s no wonder that there are struggles. The same goes for interviews — when people aren’t able to communicate their skills and experiences well, they’re not just missing opportunities for themselves, but they’re also limiting the potential for the companies they’re trying to join.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, clearly processing her words. The quiet rhythm of the café seemed to deepen as he thought about the role of communication in both professional and personal life.

Jack: “So, it’s not just about what we say, but how we say it and how well we listen. Effective communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about making sure that the message is actually understood and that there’s a real connection.”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes steady with understanding as she responded.

Jeeny: “Exactly. Good communication is a two-way street. It’s about expressing ideas clearly, but also being open to receiving feedback and understanding others. In an interview, for example, it’s not just about answering questions well; it’s about ensuring that both sides are on the same page. When there’s a lack of clarity, it creates barriers, whether in building teams or in day-to-day business operations. That’s why so many companies struggle to create cohesive, high-functioning teams — they aren’t able to communicate effectively.”

Host: Jack leaned back, a small smile forming as the realization sunk in. The world outside continued its rhythm, but inside, their conversation had uncovered a deeper truth about the role of communication.

Jack: “So, the key isn’t just in finding the right people, but in making sure there’s a real understanding between everyone involved. Without effective communication, even the best ideas can fall apart.”

Jeeny nodded, her smile warm with affirmation.

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not just about skills or qualifications — it’s about how well we communicate, how we connect with others, and how clearly we’re able to share ideas. Without that, it’s nearly impossible to build strong partnerships or successful teams.”

Host: The conversation seemed to linger in the air, the quiet understanding between them deepening. Jack and Jeeny shared a realization that the challenges faced by businesses, relationships, and teams often stem from communication breakdowns. The world outside continued its usual rhythm, but inside the café, there was a newfound appreciation for the importance of clear, effective communication in all aspects of life.