The trees in the parkways for many blocks around my house seem to be affected by some awful blight and look quite bedraggled.  I love trees and find this terribly distressing.  Crews have come through some parts of the neighborhood and removed trees – leaving gaping emptiness where once there was shade, green beauty and a home for squirrels and birds.

In the past, my village has seen fit to mail out announcements about street work or tree trimming or various other activities that residents might worry over.  There is also a regular newsletter.  But not a peep about the state of our trees or the plan to improve the situation.  I feel neglected and confounded.  The activity so far doesn’t seem to have any logic applied.

I am sad for the whole neighborhood, which will have a very different character – but want to know particularly what is being planned for the 5 trees in the parkway right by my house.  I realize that this is a costly correction, but surely some sort of notice is warranted.

It often amazes me that communication somehow goes right as often as it does.  There are so many components to communication, and the person initiating it only has control over their own end.  What should be conveyed, what is the best method to convey it, who is the target recipient?  How much background should be provided?  How much of the solution’s detail should be included?

I don’t usually deal in wishful thinking when it comes to managing information – but my preferred outcome this time would be to turn back time and prevent the blight.  I am saddened at the plight of these trees and reminded of this every time I go along the streets of my neighborhood.

Would you share a moment of poor information management that you have witnessed?

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Tagged: Communication, Information management, Life, Purpose, Working