I sense it’s no coincidence that the number of letters in your last name coincides precisely with your five (5) “C’s,” and that it also has, as one of its letters, a “c.” Coincidence? I don’t know, but let’s get to the point.

To put this into context, let’s briefly understand the author of the five (5) “C’s,” since part of their importance lies in the author. As my admired Mexican actor/comedian Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” would say: “That’s the key.”

José Miguel Ponce is a passionate storyteller and an eternal seeker of connections. He is also MY (yes, in capital letters) mentor. In this blog, he shares his passion for helping students, friends, and any reader who has browsed this far (including HIS (also in capital letters) mentees, understood from the perspective of the dedication he gives us). He has improved and grown at every stage of his life, thanks to the contributions of those of us fortunate enough to meet or know him. But more importantly, those of us who know him or “meet” him also improve and grow. I can attest to this.

His life motto is: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go well accompanied.” His empathy and ability to communicate, based on listening and asking questions (few privileged people know how to actively listen, and even fewer know how to listen and ask questions at the same time, and he is one of that select group), have allowed him to develop strong personal ties. After reinventing himself upon retirement, he now dedicates himself to helping young and old alike in their personal and professional development, providing training and advice.

José Miguel inspires others to find meaning and connection in their own lives. This blog is a good example of this. The cover of the blog already hints at this: “ideas to improve the world” (and the world is inhabited by people). This phrase gives me the clue we need to understand his five (5) “Cs.”

Here is my personal interpretation of his five (5) “Cs”: Clear, Concrete, Concise; Complete, and Coherent.

Imagine a report (you can choose another example) that clearly tells you the facts concisely without unnecessary digressions. Each word is carefully chosen to be concrete and convey the message directly. The information is complete, covering all relevant aspects of the topic at hand, and everything is linked coherently, creating a fluid and understandable narrative.

As a person and a manager, these “five Cs” are essential for me in leading teams, conveying clear instructions, and maintaining consistency in internal and external communications.

Let me explain this better:

1. Clarity: Conveying the message in a transparent and understandable way, avoiding ambiguity and confusion. In personal life, clarity helps establish clear expectations in relationships and avoid misunderstandings. In the professional sphere, clarity in communication improves efficiency and avoids costly errors.

2. Conciseness: It means communicating the message succinctly and directly, eliminating unnecessary information. In personal life, conciseness helps you express yourself effectively and capture the attention of others. In the professional sphere, conciseness prevents wasting time and makes information easier to understand.

3. Concreteness: It refers to being specific and detailed in communication, avoiding vague generalities. In personal life, concreteness allows you to express your desires and needs precisely. In the professional sphere, concreteness facilitates decision-making and the execution of tasks.

4. Complete: This involves covering all relevant aspects of the message, providing sufficient information. In personal life, completeness in communication helps convey emotions and thoughts in a comprehensive manner. In the professional sphere, completeness ensures that all the necessary information is delivered to make decisions with due support.

5. Coherent: This means maintaining consistency and logic in communication, avoiding contradictions. In personal life, coherent communication strengthens trust and credibility. In professional life, coherent communication reinforces the brand image and avoids confusion.

In summary, these five “Cs” are key in both personal and professional life to achieve effective and meaningful communication, establishing strong relationships, and achieving goals more efficiently.

I don’t want to “close” this post without first inviting all cybernauts to take some time each day to read José Miguel and become a better person/manager. Remember what Joseph Addison (British writer and politician) said: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

It’s worth it!

Carlos Solís Domínguez