Leadership Blind Spot #1: The Miscommunication Gap

Effective communication is the foundation of successful relationships, collaboration, business decision making and yes, “you’re hired” interviewing.?

However, miscommunication is also a huge blind spot.

Without realizing how or why it’s happening, miscommunication creates uncertainty which leads to mistrust. As a leadership coach, I've spent the last couple years paying attention to the patterns that hold leaders back. I call these the blind spots.

And miscommunication is undeniably one of the most common.?

In this article, I’ll go a bit deeper on the blind spot of miscommunication, shed light on the root cause I see most often, and discuss strategies to overcome this.

Understanding Miscommunication:

What I notice most is miscommunication is the clash between differing ways of processing information. If you’re familiar with the well known Myers-Briggs framework, this is the gap between the "sensing" or "intuitive" preference for processing and understanding information. Sensing individuals are detail-oriented and linear thinkers, while intuitives are drawn to the bigger picture and possibilities.

The Clash:

In 1:1s, team meetings, decision-making, pitches and definitely in interviews, the differences between sensing and intuitive preferences can trigger misunderstanding and a gap in trust. The detail oriented or ‘sensing’ individuals will seek concrete facts, data and past examples in order to validate a decision. They are more linear thinkers, get straight to the point typically and are concise in answers. The intuitives gravitate towards a gut feel, bigger picture, ideas and possibilities. Their communication style is typically woven with storytelling, metaphors and lots of rich information. But this clash in style can be frustrating.?

Sensors are thinking “prove it” and intuitives are thinking “trust me”. You can quickly see how this disparity can create a communication gap, leading to frustration and misunderstanding.

Navigating the Miscommunication Maze:

Recognizing (and respecting) that there are differing ways to process information is the first step in overcoming the miscommunication blind spot. This opens the door to establishing more understanding and less friction in working together.?

Here are some practical strategies to bridge the gap:

Embrace Diversity of Processing:

Instead of viewing differing thinking styles as wrong or frustrating, celebrate them. Including, even requiring, people with different ways of processing information is a best case. The detail oriented people will spot and add the missing specifics, data or proof. They will help make the proposal or pitch valid and proven. The bigger picture people will align the future strategy with the current state and connect the dots between all involved parties. Diversity of thought leads to innovative solutions and well-rounded decisions.

Active Listening aka Curiosity:

Actively listen to your colleagues' perspectives and seek to understand their thought processes. Curiosity plays a crucial role in bridging miscommunication gaps, allowing us to remove judgment or “shoulds” and instead appreciate others' viewpoints and unique strengths.

Adaptation in Communication:

Recognize that effective communication requires adapting to others' preferences. Sensing individuals can incorporate more strategic thinking in their messages, while intuitives can practice being concise and including concrete examples. This adaptation creates a foundation of respect for diverse communication styles.

Establish Clarity:

Clearly define the needs, goals and expectations in discussions. Sometimes it can feel like you do not get this person or that they’re talking a completely different language. But when everyone takes the time to align and understands what’s expected, it becomes easier to find common ground and minimize misunderstandings.

Regular Feedback:

Conduct regular check-ins and/or feedback loops to assess what the other person needs and how the team is progressing. This small but mighty habit can help you address any potential miscommunications early in the process. Encourage open feedback, allowing team members to voice concerns, make asks and suggest improvements without fear of repercussion.

Conclusion:

Miscommunication can be a significant blind spot in achieving individual and organizational success. Fortunately, when you can acknowledge and flex to the differing thinking preferences, you can build a team and workplace that thrives on understanding and collaboration.

This blind spot of miscommunication is a big one, but the good news is that it’s a skill that can be mastered. And this mastery leads to growth, improved relationships – and better credibility in the interview process. Adopt a mindset of curiosity, clarity, and ‘seek to understand’ communication to bridge the gap and propel yourself (and your team) to a more cohesive, and harmonious workplace.

Julie Schaller is a professional coach and president of Career Growth Coaching. Her?mission is to empower leaders to make a positive impact in their career. Julie helps her clients gain clarity of their ideal role, position themselves for success and increase confidence in the process. You can learn more by contacting Julie at?[email protected] ?or scheduling a time to learn more?HERE