#288 a mystery

For one of our staff meeting nuggets (see #108), we were given a short scenario and asked to solve the mystery of what the case meant.  

Example:  
Jason feels perfectly fit.  He has no symptoms of any disease and feels no pain.  After a brief exam with a doctor, Jason is told that he needs surgery.  After the operation, Jason starts bleeding profusely and is in excruciating pain.  The doctor declares the operation a success.  What kind of degree does the doctor have and what did the surgery accomplish?

In addition to adding some thought and levity to our staff meeting, these "30 second mysteries" point out the problems with communication in the organizational world.  One person relays an accurate scenario while the other feels like pieces are missing.  The message becomes a complete puzzle and communication does not make sense.  Fortunately for us, the book proceeds to give five clues for each case, but such hints are not readily apparent in real life.

How can you review your communication -- even quick exchanges such as those via email or hallway conversations -- to ensure that you are putting in the relevant information to make your messages clear?  Take that extra 30 seconds to include the obvious in your communiques so that your messages don't become a mystery to those receiving them.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Thanks to Julie for the nugget and inspiration.

Case #20 from the book "30 Second Mysteries, Volume II", by Bob Moog.

Hints:
The doctor studied for many years to earn her degree.
Jason won't be bothered by this problem again.
The doctor is not an MD.
Jason lost four body parts during the surgery.
Surprisingly, Jason was just as smart after the operation.


Answer:
The doctor has a dental degree (DDS) and removed Jason's wisdom teeth.