One concept that’s discussed a lot in my business communication class is that clarity is something you create, not something that just happens. Whether you’re writing an email, giving a presentation, or pitching a concept, the focus is on being intentional with your communication.That’s something I can easily relate to with my role at The Symbiosis Foundation. In a mission-based organization like Symbiosis, you quickly realize that much of what you’re doing is based on perspective, not necessarily experience. Having a fresh perspective is a real asset.

It’s evident in how you listen.

It’s evident in how you interpret what someone or some organization needs.

It’s evident in how you communicate with someone from a different perspective.

What I’ve learned at Symbiosis is that sometimes it’s valuable to have a curious perspective instead of making assumptions. When you’re not locked into the way things have always been done, you’re much more open to trying new things, challenging traditional ways of doing things, and seeing opportunities that others may have missed.

What I’ve learned through my business communication class is that communication is not just about writing clearly, it’s about seeing clearly. It’s sometimes easier to have a clear perspective on something when you’re not burdened by the way things have been done in the past. It’s sometimes easier to connect the dots, to explain what’s going on, when you’re outside the organization looking in.

Having a fresh perspective doesn’t mean you’re naive.

It doesn’t mean you’re inexperienced.

It means you’re aware.

It means you’re willing to observe before you react.

It means you’re bringing energy and clarity to a situation.

And I believe that’s especially true within the nonprofit community because at the end of the day, what matters most is what’s within each other’s hearts.