“But that’s not how I meant it at all!” – Part 2

“But that’s not how I meant it at all!” – Part 2

So how is it that someone else can understand it completely differently? 🤷‍♂️

What are reasons why we get it wrong?

It’s related to one (or more) of the following:

1. Different definitions of a task

“I’ll take over” doesn’t say much without clarification.

2. Missing context

“This still needs to be done” is very different from “This is important.”

3. Different emotional states

❌ “This isn’t working” is very different from “It’s too much for me and I need support.”

4. Tone and nonverbal communication

“Yes, fine” with arms crossed is very different from an open posture.

5. Assumptions and bias

“But this was in the protocol,” while the other person might not even have known such a protocol existed.

6. Cultural and social differences

🇧🇪 🇳🇱 Directness vs. indirectness

7. Information overload

Without prioritization, the core message gets lost under a mountain of details.

8. No check-in

Did the other person actually understand?

This is quite a list…

No wonder things often go wrong.

➡️ Still, I believe miscommunication doesn’t necessarily have to lead to conflict.

That finger-pointing at the other person: 👉 “Yeah, but you…” 👈

But more on that tomorrow…