Why Does Work Slow Down Despite Constant Communication? Clues to Performance in Recurring Questions

When work is delayed, organizations often call for enhanced communication. This typically involves adding meetings, sharing progress more frequently, and encouraging faster responses. However, if the same questions are repeated and already-completed materials are repeatedly revised even after contact increases, the problem is difficult to explain solely by the volume of conversation. This is because the traces of communication reflect not only how enthusiastically people responded, but also what information was missing and where judgment stopped. A useful perspective at this point is to view communication not as a support activity attached alongside work, but as the process of creating the conditions for the next person to continue the work. Even if a message is transmitted, if the recipient cannot figure out what needs to be changed, the workplace transmission is not complete. Conversel…