Communication without Verification is only One Way.
When we ask someone, "Do you understand what I mean?", do you find people may just nod along, even when they don't actually fully grasp the message we're trying to convey to them. This happens in the work place all the time too. People want to seem competent, so they try to follow orders, not because they understand but because they feel they have to.
This kind of breakdown in communication is one of the biggest challenges in organizations, especially those going through change and trying to grow. Suppose your company already has an effective system in place, everyone follows the standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communication becomes almost automatic. But when the market shifts, roles change, or new tools and people come in, the old chain of communicating is disrupted, and costly misunderstandings will spurt.
Several years ago, it seems like work was roughly 70% routine and 30% new. And even if communication was a little sloppy, the job still gets done. But nowadays, in the ever fast-changing world, it seems only 30% is protocol, everything else is impromptu. And without better communication, it could lead to the derail of an entire project, undoing days or even weeks of work.
So how do you avoid this? From my experience, the answer is "verification." It's not about expecting everyone to be a master at choosing the perfect words, but it is about double-checking that we understand each other. Communication without verification can be just one person talking into the void.
Words are limited. Communication isn't just about what was being said - it's about the context, the thought process behind it, and even the emotions involved. Real communication is a two-way exchange; that actually share feelings and perspectives, not just instructions.
Try these simple steps. First, ask the other person to repeat what they think they understood. It might sound simple, but this is where you catch any gaps. Secondly, ask for their opinion - give them a chance to express their view. It opens the door to clarifying misunderstandings before they become big problems. Finally, invite people to share how they feel about it. You might not think feelings matter in work communication, but trust me, they do. Even negative emotions can help bridge gaps and build trust when they're acknowledged.
When we verify like this, there's a big chance real communication will actually happen. Leaders need to take the time to check that their message has landed, and those receiving instructions need to have the courage to speak up and ask for clarification. When everyone takes responsibility for verifying what they say and hear, communication is bound to improve.
This kind of breakdown in communication is one of the biggest challenges in organizations, especially those going through change and trying to grow. Suppose your company already has an effective system in place, everyone follows the standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communication becomes almost automatic. But when the market shifts, roles change, or new tools and people come in, the old chain of communicating is disrupted, and costly misunderstandings will spurt.
Several years ago, it seems like work was roughly 70% routine and 30% new. And even if communication was a little sloppy, the job still gets done. But nowadays, in the ever fast-changing world, it seems only 30% is protocol, everything else is impromptu. And without better communication, it could lead to the derail of an entire project, undoing days or even weeks of work.
So how do you avoid this? From my experience, the answer is "verification." It's not about expecting everyone to be a master at choosing the perfect words, but it is about double-checking that we understand each other. Communication without verification can be just one person talking into the void.
Words are limited. Communication isn't just about what was being said - it's about the context, the thought process behind it, and even the emotions involved. Real communication is a two-way exchange; that actually share feelings and perspectives, not just instructions.
Try these simple steps. First, ask the other person to repeat what they think they understood. It might sound simple, but this is where you catch any gaps. Secondly, ask for their opinion - give them a chance to express their view. It opens the door to clarifying misunderstandings before they become big problems. Finally, invite people to share how they feel about it. You might not think feelings matter in work communication, but trust me, they do. Even negative emotions can help bridge gaps and build trust when they're acknowledged.
When we verify like this, there's a big chance real communication will actually happen. Leaders need to take the time to check that their message has landed, and those receiving instructions need to have the courage to speak up and ask for clarification. When everyone takes responsibility for verifying what they say and hear, communication is bound to improve.
2024-09-19