Many communications have a fourth part, taking resulting action, because a communication directed toward understanding alone has only educational or philosophical value. In the support group business, however, we work with boards of directors and many others who we expect to take some action as a result of our communicating with them. So let's say communication has four parts. It's probably obvious that the sender controls sending and the receiver controls receiving. That's one point for each.
Understanding is in the head of the receiver.
Senders can do everything possible to transmit a clear picture of what they're trying to communicate, but only receivers can understand if they choose to and are able to. So far, that's two points for receiving, and one for sending. Again, it's the receiver. When we give an instruction or an assignment, or persuade others to do the support group work that has to be done, the receiver not only has to understand what we want done, but has to do it as well. When we ask for information so we can take action, we're the receiver of the answer.