Communication is a vital skill for creating social impact, but it can also be a source of exclusion and misunderstanding if not done carefully and respectfully. In this article, we will explore some of the most common communication mistakes that exclude people and how to avoid them.
One of the first communication mistakes that exclude people is lack of awareness of your own biases, assumptions, and privileges. You may unintentionally offend, stereotype, or ignore someone who has a different background, identity, or perspective than you. To avoid this, you need to be aware of your own cultural lens and how it shapes your communication style and expectations. You also need to be open to learning from others and acknowledging their experiences and views.
If you are unsure where to start, look at where the diversity around you begins: are people from different nationalities or geographical areas; are there dominant languages; is there an unspoken social hierarchy? While this is work on your part, it will lead to long term benefits because you will likely have to repeat yourself less and can lower the risk of confusion or conflict. On a more basic level, it is things like verbal or written?
Another communication mistake that exclude people is lack of empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy is essential for building trust, rapport, and collaboration with diverse groups of people. However, sometimes we may fail to empathize with others because we are too focused on ourselves, our agendas, or our opinions. To avoid this, you need to listen actively, ask questions, and show genuine interest and curiosity in others. You also need to express your emotions and needs in a respectful and constructive way.
A third communication mistake that exclude people is lack of clarity, which is the ability to convey your message clearly and effectively. Clarity is important for avoiding confusion, misunderstanding, and conflict with others. However, sometimes we may be unclear in our communication because we use jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that others may not understand. We may also be vague, ambiguous, or inconsistent in our words or actions. To avoid this, you need to use simple, plain, and inclusive language that everyone can understand. You also need to be specific, concise, and consistent in your communication and follow up with feedback and confirmation.
In my experience, lack of clarity can and does often occur at most organizations, no matter the size, location or language. The same word can mean different things to different people: when you say end of business, do you mean 5 pm or midnight or it doesn't matter? When you call something a project, is it finite or do you mean operations long term? When you ask people to review text, is it for clarity of message, grammar, intent or something else? You need to boil down your message or question to the core, run it past a few people as you get started on strengthening the clarity of your communication, and constantly build upon feedback you receive. If five stakeholders have the same question about a report, what do you need to change?
A fourth communication mistake that exclude people is lack of respect, which is the ability to value and appreciate the dignity and worth of others. Respect is important for creating a positive and inclusive communication climate where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. However, sometimes we may disrespect others in our communication because we interrupt, dominate, or dismiss them. We may also use inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory language or gestures that harm or exclude others. To avoid this, you need to use polite, courteous, and affirming language and gestures that acknowledge and appreciate others. You also need to give others equal opportunities to speak, contribute, and participate in the communication process.
A fifth communication mistake that exclude people is lack of adaptation, which is the ability to adjust your communication style and strategies to suit different situations, audiences, and goals. Adaptation is important for being flexible, responsive, and effective in your communication with diverse groups of people. However, sometimes we may fail to adapt our communication because we are too rigid, stubborn, or resistant to change. We may also impose our own norms, values, or preferences on others without considering their needs, expectations, or preferences. To avoid this, you need to be aware of the context, purpose, and outcome of your communication and adapt accordingly. You also need to be respectful of the diversity, differences, and similarities among your communication partners and seek common ground and mutual understanding.
A sixth communication mistake that exclude people is lack of feedback, which is the ability to give and receive constructive and helpful information that enhances the quality and effectiveness of your communication. Feedback is important for learning, improving, and developing your communication skills and relationships with others. However, sometimes we may neglect feedback in our communication because we are too busy, lazy, or defensive. We may also give or receive feedback that is too vague, harsh, or irrelevant that discourages or demotivates others. To avoid this, you need to seek and provide feedback regularly, timely, and respectfully. You also need to be specific, positive, and actionable in your feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow and support others.