I came across a short article that had my favorite ever cartoon (which I think dates back to the 1980s). See if you relate to it.

I’ve remembered that old saw many times as I’ve been talking to people (and to dogs). My old boss, Ed Abel, did a great job of communicating on the jobsite. He’d tell the guy what he wanted done. Then he’d move in closer and tell him again, then he’d take a step back and tell him another time. He’d ask questions to make sure his message was understood. He simply never assumed that just because he said it clearly that the other guy heard it clearly.

Otherwise, as was fond of saying, “You’ve got monkeys screwing a football.” Or words to that effect.