How To Minimize Misunderstanding Communication

Is there anything more frustrating than someone misinterpreting what you've said and taking offense to your comments?

In this day and age, it's so easy for this to happen. We communicate so much over social media, email, and text messages that we have little chance of correcting a situation before it can get blown out of proportion.

One minute you might think all is well in the relationship between you and a client and then you hear through the grapevine that your name is being dragged through the mud.

Misunderstanding Communication Continued…

Chances are you've been on the receiving end of this, as well as being the one ticked off and letting others know about it.

What surprises me the most in these situations is the typical response that people give and expect it to smooth things over. How many times have you had someone communicate with you via email and include this statement, “Email can be misconstrued so feel free to give me a call.”

Folks, this response, is a cop-out. When you put something in writing and have to add this disclaimer it sends the message that you don't care enough about the other person to either be more thoughtful in your communication or pick up the phone and call them.

Your Savvy Sales Tip this week:

When there's a chance the person receiving your communication might misinterpret your message, either revise your message or pick up the phone and call the person.

People who are adding this message to their communications or giving this response when people do misinterpret are breaking rapport and damaging relationships.

Ask yourself, when you've been on the receiving end of this message, do you assume it was you who misunderstood?  Chances are, you still hold the other person responsible for the miscommunication. Your clients feel the same way about you. They hold you responsible for the way your communication is interpreted.

Misunderstanding Communication Conclusion…

Be thoughtful, be kind and take extra time upfront crafting clear messages to ensure the relationship stays intact.

Wishing you continued success this week in your communications.

Agree?  Disagree? Have additional comments or thoughts on this article? Please share.