We all know that communication is key in getting things accomplished, establishing expectations, and working with others. What most people don't realize is how much miscommunication takes place on a regular basis.
We tend to use "soft language" or beat around the bush like "Hey can I ask you a question" instead of just asking it straight out which can cause the receiver to worry about the question. We ask "Are you busy on Friday?" instead of "Can we hang out Friday night?" Or "Can I borrow a piece of paper?" when you know you are not going to give it back.
We ask biased questions by insinuating the answer in the question like "You good?" instead of "How are you feeling?" or "Wasn't that great?" instead of "Did you like it?" so someone could be more honest and have their own opinion.
We put things off or make excuses "I got stuck behind a train" instead of "I did not plan for traffic;" "I didn't have time" or "I was just going to get to that" instead of "I did not make it a priority." Or we insert our opinions instead of just listening from a neutral perspective to a friend who needs to vent.
So this month we are going to focus on being more direct communicators and realizing that the goal is to be efficient, be direct, and compromise so that any situation accommodates the most parties possible while making people feel valued and heard. Each day we are going to identify instances or possibilities of miscommunication and try to come up with a solution for more direct communication. We will try to ask direct, neutral questions that are honest and open to encourage more effective communication with anyone we interact with.
Comments