What to do if you can't get your peers to understand

Perhaps you did not provide enough detailed information or you and your colleagues have completely different expectations. The other side may have different motives from yours. Or you just have a bad communication channel. Be that as it may, this is your problem, because you are not getting what you want.

Here are some signs that you might need to change the way you communicate:

You are only approached with questions or comments as a last resort, and avoided the rest of the time.
You leave after a conversation or meeting and cannot remember the point of view and words of the interlocutor. You listened inattentively.
Different people misunderstand you over and over again. It means that the point is definitely in you: you cannot correctly express your thought.

Rate your communication style

Are you expressing your thoughts clearly and thoroughly? Do you provide all the facts? Are you consistent in communication? Do you explain what you expect from others and do you understand what is expected of you? How do you behave during difficult conversations, when the emotional situation is heating up or when it comes to politics?

By answering these questions, you will determine what is difficult for you, and you can work on yourself.

Don't make guesses, but ask

Asking questions encourages open dialogue. Otherwise, there is a feeling that you are simply imposing your opinion. In addition, asking questions can help clear out bad guesses and assumptions.

Try to be aware of yourself when you jump to conclusions or judge the other person. If you are not sure what the interlocutor meant, or do not know how to proceed, ask additional questions.

Be clear about your expectations

If you didn't get the desired result, remember if you clarified exactly what you want. It is possible that you were simply misunderstood, especially if you used a lot of professional jargon or vague language.

Don't try to negotiate by mail. It is better to discuss everything briefly in person in order to answer the questions that arise and explain what you need. Then the results will be better.

Listen

Listening is essential to productive communication. After meetings and conferences, take short notes, noting what others have said, what the opinion of your interlocutor is. If you cannot formulate it, go back to the topic and ask additional questions to avoid misunderstandings.

Establish a feedback system

Communication is somewhat similar to the art of performance. In both cases, you have an audience. And in order to improve, you need to get feedback from her. So always try to ask, “Did I miss anything? Do you understand everything? Do you need any more information?"

Remember compassion

Remember, everyone has good days and bad days. It takes compassion and understanding to excel at communication, especially during difficult conversations. Psychological safety is the cornerstone of successful cooperation - a state where people are comfortable being open with each other.