Communication is the most important thing there is. Only through communication can we make clear what we want, what we need and what we want to do. Without good communication it becomes impossible to make clear to the other what we expect her or him to do. Yet communication is not optimal in many companies. Various pitfalls may be the reason for this:
Pitfalls
1. Underestimate
Because communication is natural and we grow up with the idea that we don’t really have to learn to communicate, we underestimate the quality of good communication. We think that it goes without saying and that there is nothing to improve in this broad field. You can teach yourself how to dance, but if you don’t want to constantly kick your dance partner, it’s wise to take lessons and get the hang of it. The same applies to good communication.
2. Overestimate
In addition to underestimating, overestimating also occurs. Overestimating that the other person can understand you without too many words. Chances are that you spend too little communication on it and that the other person misunderstands you. But it is also possible that you, as leader of the troops, are way ahead of the troops and think that you were clear with your text and explanation. You overestimate what your team already knows or overestimate your ability to communicate.
3. Have knowledge
To have lots of knowledge, or when your more developed, and to assume that the other person also has, or does not. And that may well be not the case.
4. Lack of harmony in yourself
Another pitfall is the lack of harmony between your internal dialogue and external communication. What you want to say to the other does not come across as good. Also be sincere in what you communicate and what you actually find and feel. Otherwise you run the risk that your communication is unconsciously a lie, and self-deception and deception of others.
5. To communicate too subtly or indirectly
Uncertainty is often the culprit of communicating too subtly or indirectly. We would like to make known what we need or what we think is right, but doubt whether the other person agrees. To avoid a blunder, communication is often too subtle; if it turns out to be wrong, it can always be said that that was not intended. It is also important to recognize this as a team leader or manager among your employees and to help them communicate clearly and more confidently.
6. Vicious circle of miscommunication
Most of our society is not aware of the mismatch between the inner communication and the communication with others. We feel and think differently from what we say to others. This can create a vicious circle of unintended mis-communication. After all, if we do not communicate sincerely ourselves, we do not expect the other to do so, which can then reinforce our own false communication.
In my next blog five more pitfalls that occur in many companies.
And the pitfalls of communication are also addressed in my e-book and in my training courses.