Communication by numbers

Are you a number cruncher or a word nerd?

For some humans, numbers are the way their brains process information. Numbers might be the language of their tribe, a way of showing knowledge or defining success - they’re tangible and measurable.

I recently met a technical expert in the construction sector who talked only in numbers. He started work at the age of 12, 15 years’ experience, working on a project valued at $5m, worked for an international company worth $10bn, won an award 5 years in a row, responsible for 100 people, and so on…

Numbers are his way of earning credibility, indicating that he knows his stuff.

And then there are the people for whom numbers don’t matter *raises hand*.

For me, the impact of a piece work is a stronger sign of success than figures. Shower me in numbers and I’m not only lost, but I feel like an outsider and stupid to boot. But I have a choice as to how I respond. I could dismiss the numbers and respond with my tribe’s language to earn my credibility.

But I figure what’s that going to achieve except divide us further? Instead, what if I (measuredly, of course) shared that because I’m not a numbers person, it's hard for me to appreciate their view?

What if I asked questions and sought to learn? Questions like…

- How does that number compare to other companies?

- When you say 10, is that significant or not?

Experts or not, we’re all different. Numbers matter to some and not others. There’s no right or wrong by any means. All we can do is try to understand our differences and break down those barriers. Do that, and communication will flow – you can count on it.