Static on the line?
Know what to do when miscommunication occurs!
Knowledge article
Businesses
Static on the line is often the cause of miscommunication. But seeing and acknowledging the static, that is already quite challenging. And if you do notice it: How do you then reconnect with the other person? The question is also: how important is that really to you?
How do you recognize the signs of miscommunication?
And how do you turn that into the four steps to (re)connect with each other? Whether the other person is a direct colleague, manager, customer, or your own partner.
Step 1: Recognize and acknowledge static
The first step is to recognize and acknowledge that there is static on the line. Not just with the other person, but also with yourself. There are five signs to look for: words, tone, gestures, body language, and facial expressions. Observe what happens with the other person and with yourself. Yes, you’re talking to each other, but is there really clear contact? That other person, for example, doesn’t just raise their eyebrow for no reason. The good news is that our behavior under pressure is very recognizable and predictable.
Step 2: Determine the value of the relationship
How important is it to you to invest in communication with that person? How far are you willing to go? If you value a relationship more, you’re more likely to make an effort to actually reach each other. And to find out where the static is coming from. A rude waiter probably matters less to you than issues with the colleague or partner you spend a lot of time with.
Step 3: Find the manual
Look at what unites you and use that to restore contact. Because having miscommunication doesn’t necessarily mean the relationship is damaged forever. Don’t react to each other’s mask, as that only amplifies the miscommunication. Focus on the person behind it and ask yourself what he or she is actually asking from you. After all, we all have a tendency to ask for what we need in a negative way when we don’t get it positively.
Step 4: Speak each other's language
Ready to resolve that miscommunication? The best way to start is to use each other’s preferred language. Our preferred language stems from our perceptions, from how you see and experience the world. For one person, that may be logic, while for another it’s emotion. The first static often arises simply because we don’t realize we aren’t speaking the same language. One person wants room for a personal touch, the other prefers to get straight to the point. If you know this about the other, you can anticipate it and clear up the static.
Also, don’t forget to look at yourself. Is your own communication clear? Is your own manual known to the other person? Does the other person understand how you experience communication?
What helps?
Do you know someone’s communication style—and your own? Then you can be a better conversation partner.
And so achieve better results, both personally and professionally.
Dennis Hardeman
Trainer | Coach
I love providing added value and creating momentum to help people function even better! Both within teams and in personal coaching programs.
