The Communicating Power of Symbols

--An Eight Step Demonstration

 Intro


 







 

Introduction

As computers and networks become more powerful, organizational knowledge becomes directly affected by more people.  Even when an organization "knows" how to succeed, poor communications may limit success.  An organization must operate through the sharing of knowledge or individual activities may not support organizational objectives.

Modern electronics technology enables flow of information throughout an organization.  Information systems only  distribute knowledge using electronic signals.  Machines do not understand knowledge.  When working properly, machines preserve and reflect symbols, relationships and sequences.  Machines cannot be held responsible for accurate communication of knowledge represented.

This exercise demonstrates the power of symbols and some communication challenges.  Each step in the exercise presents a symbol.  Each symbol is intended to communicate a simple idea.  Subsequent steps build on previous steps.  There are no tricks.

On a  piece  of  paper, draw the following chart, record your responses and keep score.  Allow no more than two minutes to complete each step of the exercise.  Remember, the simplest answer will usually be correct.  Do not skip any steps.   Score Sheet
 
 
 
 


 

The Power of Symbols Score Sheet
Step
Answer
Time
OK?
 Comments
1
    
Y | N
  
2
    
Y | N
  
3
    
 Y | N
  
4
    
 Y | N
  
5
    
 Y | N
  
6
    
 Y | N
  
7
    
 Y | N
  
8
    
 Y | N
  

  Total Correct Responses ___    First Symbol


 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol One


For the first symbol--a clue:  Symbol one does not represent the negation of the underlying background.
 
 


 
 
 
 


 

First Answer

The first symbol represents a "STRAIGHT  LINE," the shortest distance between two points.  If you recognized the first  symbol as a "STRAIGHT LINE," you may have relied on concepts taught in your first geometry class.  You may have guessed that the first symbol communicated a "slash" or some  more complex concept.  Remember, the simplest answer will generally be correct.   Second Symbol  Begin   End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Two

The second symbol is made using two of the first symbols arranged  in a particular relationship.  Consider how an elementary school student  might  respond.
 



 









Second Answer


The second symbol represents the letter "V," the 22nd letter of the alphabet.  You may have been confused by the orientation of the second symbol.  Accurate communication depends on many  factors.  Third Symbol   Begin  End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Three

The third symbol is made by combining the first and second  symbols.
 
 


 








Third Answer

The third symbol represents the letter "A," the first letter of the alphabet.  Again, you may have been confused by the orientation of this symbol.  Knowledge of the alphabet enables communication using words.  Words are letters arranged in sequences.  Fourth Symbol  Begin   End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Four

The fourth symbol is a word made using two letters.   Pronouncing
this word may help determine the intended communication.
 
 


 







Fourth Answer

The fourth symbol represents the nickname, "AL," a short form of Albert or Allen.  In the first four steps of this exercise, we have progressed from the simple idea of a straight line to the concept of a person's name.  Every person has a name, a symbol of unique identification.   Fifth Symbol   Begin  End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Five

The fifth symbol is also a name.  Of the millions of people who might be identified using a name of three letters, can you  guess the correct one?
 



 









Fifth Answer

The fifth symbol represents the great boxer, Muhammad Ali.   Ali  McGraw and Ali Baba also counts as correct    responses.  With only six straight lines and some common knowledge, you can distinguish one person from all of the people ever known.  That's powerful communication.   Sixth Symbol  Begin   End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Six

The sixth symbol is a word.  It is not an abbreviation.
 



 










Sixth Answer

The sixth symbol represents the past tense form of "to light," or  "having set on fire."  Have patience, we are nearly finished.  Seventh Symbol    Begin  End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Seven

The seventh symbol is also a word.  Use everything that you have learned in this exercise for step seven.
 
 


 








Seventh Answer

The seventh symbol represents a fish, an "eel."   Ah, but the seventh symbol was "eal."  The word was misspelled.  If you  pronounced "eal," you would have pronounced "eel," and might have guessed "eel" as the correct response.  What else could it be?  This symbol demonstrates "noisy" communication.  Symbolic communication is not always accurate.  Additional knowledge may be required to complete the transfer of an idea.   This additional knowledge is called the "context" of a message.   Eighth Symbol  Begin   End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Symbol Eight -- Complete with answer?

The eighth and final symbol is the word "REALITY."



 


"REALITY" combines the symbols shown previously with two more letters, "R" and "Y." "REALITY" communicates a simple idea.  Every person knows a "REALITY," but even with excellent communication, one person can never completely know another's  "REALITY."   To  quote Robin Williams, "Reality, Man what a concept!"   Sponsor
 
 
 


 
 
 
 


 
 

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Copyright July 3, 1995, Martin L. Grogan. All Rights reserved.
 
 

 Beginning  Intro Scoresheet    Symbols: One Two  Three  Four Five  Six  Seven Eight         Sponsor