Being misunderstood can be a frustrating experience, especially when it happens in the workplace. No one, especially women, likes the feeling that they’re being ignored, misinterpreted, or not being listened to or heard. In business, effective communication is essential to ensure things run smoothly. Whether you’re interacting with coworkers or clients, accurately getting your point across is a top priority.
Professional women, particularly in leadership roles, often deal with an internal conflict regarding perception. They want to be heard and understood by their coworkers without being stereotyped as bossy, rude, or aggressive. These perceptions can negatively impact careers and professional relationships.
To overcome these challenges and ensure that you’re heard as well as understood, consider these tips when communicating:
1. Know Your Audience
When communicating with people, sometimes you have to meet them where they are. Getting to know your audience can help you better understand how to communicate and connect with them. Sometimes you may need to do a little googling to learn more about the cultures of the people with whom you’re working. You can also learn what forms of communication work best for them. Are they more receptive and responsive to face-to-face conversations, or do they prefer Slack messages or emails?
Whether the differences in communication styles come down to just personal preferences or cultural and language differences, familiarizing yourself as much as possible with another individual’s desired form of communication can cut down on miscommunication and build a better relationship. Don’t hesitate to ask what form of communication works best for them.
2. Consider Cultural and Language Barriers
The workplace is often a melting pot made up of people of different ages, genders, cultures, races, and ethnicities. When communicating with others, things are bound to get lost in translation. That’s why it’s essential to consider potential roadblocks in communication beforehand.
When holding a conversation, try to avoid slang and idioms that could be confusing or offensive to the other party. While certain phrases and sayings may come naturally to you, they can easily create a bottleneck in workplace communication, causing a disconnect while also shutting out people within your organization.
3. Be Aware of Your Body Language
Communication is more than verbal; it also expands into your body language. Facial expressions, the way you carry yourself, and the way you move your hands when speaking can send a different message than what you’re attempting to convey. Trailing off and failing to maintain an appropriate amount of eye contact during a conversation can lead someone to think you’re not listening and are unengaged. Standing or sitting too close to a coworker can make them feel uncomfortable, while standing too far off or backing away can come off as dismissive and disconnected. Positive body language lets people know you’re present in the moment and in the conversation.
Additionally, across cultures, there are different thresholds and interpretations of personal space, hand signals, and more. It’s essential to know how and what message you’re sending to avoid any misunderstandings regarding your actions. Some other forms of body language to keep in mind include:
- Handshakes—A firm handshake can show one’s confidence and make an excellent first impression.
- Slouching—Good posture conveys confidence.
- Crossing of the arms—This gesture can make one come off as defensive and closed off.
- Fidgeting with your phone or computer—Constantly using the phone or computer during a conversation can make you seem distracted.
4. Be Clear, Direct, and Concise
Whether you’re relying on verbal or written communication, being clear, direct, and concise can help minimize the possibility of being misunderstood and unheard. Avoid long, drawn-out messages that can cause people to lose interest or get confused. Take the time to consider your audience, their potential barriers, and avoid jargon that could complicate your message. Additionally, if you’re a fast talker, make sure to speak more slowly and clearly when speaking to those who speak your language as a second or third language. By keeping things simple, you can avoid alienating certain groups and make your messaging more accessible and digestible.
A vital part of effective leadership is taking the time to make sure everyone’s needs are met. That includes keeping these principles in mind and ensuring that there aren’t any disconnects in how you’re communicating. Don’t be afraid to ask teammates about what communication barriers they might be experiencing and brainstorm ways you can overcome them together.
If you’re ready to learn how to communicate with confidence or have any questions about overcoming language and cultural barriers, contact the TrueLanguage team today. Our translation and localization services will take you from misunderstood to being #MsUnderstood.
