How to See My Teammates' Perceptions When Communicating

Communication isn't a monologue; it's a dance. A constant back-and-forth, where the meaning isn’t just in what you say, but in how it's received.

We often get caught up in the speed and urgency of work, blasting out emails, rushing through meetings, and assuming everyone sees things the same way we do. But that's a trap.

The disconnect is not always about what we say, it's often about how it lands. To truly connect, you need to see the world from your teammates' eyes. It's not about being a mind-reader, it’s about being a human.

Here’s how you can start seeing the world through their lens, not as a nice-to-have, but as a business imperative:

• The "Pause and Predict" Ritual: Before you hit send, before you launch into a meeting, take a pause. Not a long pause, just enough time to actively predict how your message might be received. Don't think about how you think it should be received, but how they might perceive it, based on their personality, past experiences, or current workload. It’s not about being paranoid, it's about being prepared. The pause is a moment of consideration, a small act of empathy.
• The "Ask, Don't Assume" Directive: Assumptions are the termites of collaboration. Instead of assuming your message is crystal clear, ask. Ask clarifying questions, solicit feedback, and genuinely listen to the responses. If you sense confusion, don't dismiss it – explore it. It’s not about doubting your own message, it's about making sure it's landing right. A closed loop of communication is always stronger than a one-way street.
• The "Context is King" Reality Check: Every person on your team comes to the table with different experiences, background, knowledge, and priorities. Your message doesn't exist in a vacuum; it’s interpreted within their unique context. So before you communicate, consider: Are they under pressure? Do they have all the relevant information? Do they need more background, less detail, a different style? It's not about dumbing down your message, it's about tailoring it for maximum impact. The right message, to the right person, at the right time.
• The "Channel Choice Matters" Insight: Not every message requires the same approach. An urgent issue may need a quick call, whereas a more complex proposal may be better suited for an email with supporting documents. Consider what the best method of communication is, not just for you, but for the receiver. And remember, the channel itself shapes the perception. A flippant message on Slack might land very differently if delivered face-to-face. This is about choosing the path of least resistance and maximum impact.
• The "Feedback is Gold" Mentality: Make feedback a regular habit, not just when something goes wrong. Encourage teammates to be honest about how your messages land and what you could do differently. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and concerns. This is not just about you; it’s about a culture of collaborative learning. Feedback is a gift; it's a chance to improve and connect.
• The "Observe, Don't Just Listen" Approach: Communication goes beyond just words. Notice non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Are they engaged? Do they seem confused or overwhelmed? These subtle clues can tell you a lot about how your message is landing. Listen with your eyes, not just your ears. These are not invisible, but often overlooked cues.
• The "Mirroring is Powerful" Tactic: When communicating, particularly in a conflict situation, try to use their language. If they tend to use bullet points, then present information in bullet points; if they prefer long paragraphs, try to respond in kind. This subtle act of mirroring creates a sense of rapport and understanding. It's not about mimicking; it's about creating alignment and trust. It's about speaking their language.
• The "Walk a Mile" Experience: If you're struggling to see a situation from your teammates’ perspective, actively try to “walk a mile in their shoes.” What are their daily challenges? What are their priorities? What are their motivations? Gaining a better understanding of their world allows you to tailor your communication for better effect. Empathy is not a soft skill; it’s a business strategy.
• The "Assume Positive Intent" Foundation: Go into every interaction assuming that your teammates have positive intentions. They're not trying to frustrate you, or be difficult; they're just trying to do their jobs. This mindset shift helps reduce defensiveness and encourages more open and honest conversations. It’s not about being na?ve; it's about creating a foundation of trust and collaboration.
• The "Iterate and Improve" Process: Don’t expect to nail it every time. Communication is an iterative process. Take what you’ve learned, adapt your approach, and keep improving. It's not about being perfect; it's about constant growth. The goal is progress, not perfection.

It’s time to stop broadcasting and start connecting. When you make the effort to understand your teammates’ perspectives, you don't just improve communication; you build stronger relationships, more effective teams, and a more human workplace.