Filter Flip: Turn Communication Barriers into Opportunities
Have you ever said the same exact words to different people, and had each of them hear different things?
This happens because of the individual filters we all have – shaping our own realities and translating what we hear in our heads. These unique, intrinsic filters can be the reason for many workplace miscommunications, and are based on deep-rooted thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and backgrounds. It’s as if everyone is wearing a unique tinted pair of glasses and our brains will only accept information that matches that specific tint….
When it comes to work styles, it’s up to leaders to learn how to navigate the preferences of each team member with curiosity, awareness, and flexibility – taking into account how to communicate differently with different people.
It can be challenging to stay true to your intent while also breaking through the pre-existing filters of your audience, but once you learn how, you’ll see drastic improvements in your work and personal relationships, meetings, and even everyday encounters.
What are these filters that limit what we hear and how we communicate?
So, what are these filters we all use to shape our own realities, that can also sometimes hold us back from reaching the true meaning of a message?
Here are the most common sources for why we sometimes hear and see things differently than our peers:
Friends and family
The people we grow up with are usually our first examples of how to think, act, and feel. Whether it’s intentional or not, kids soak in what is happening around them at all times – from the stories told to the way others act. The influence of family and friends can start as infants, and carry on into adulthood.
Beliefs and values
Sometimes we form conscious beliefs that shape what we hear, while other times we take on beliefs based on experiences. Beliefs can be religious or political, but also have to do with how we individually determine what’s right and wrong in the world.
Culture and society
The society in which we grow up or choose to live has a big impact on the filters we form, because we find ourselves immersed in certain language, cultural norms, and practices.
Mood and expectations
Moods can be quite fickle, can’t they – changing from day to day, or even hour to hour? How we listen can be hugely altered depending on the mood we’re in when a conversation arises. Emotions, like annoyance, anger, worry, or excitement can create a barrier between what is actually said, and what we perceive.
Personal prejudices
Prejudices can be both subconscious and chosen, and show up when we make assumptions of people based on things like race, income, looks, or even clothes. Going into a conversation with preconceived prejudices will always play a role in shaping what a person hears, no matter what is spoken.
How to bridge the gap between what you say and what they hear
Becoming the type of leader who can connect with all members of your team, not just the ones who think similarly to you, is essential to guiding your organization to success.
While some leaders take on a one-to-many approach, the best way to limit misunderstandings, drive productivity, and improve the experiences of every employee is to adapt your leadership style to each person.
While I’m certainly not suggesting that you alter your messaging to only focus on what others want to hear, it is important to understand how to communicate in a way that takes different perspectives into account, while staying true to your intent.
To improve your quality of communication, connect with employees, inspire trust, and boost collaboration, you must first listen – before speaking with awareness, empathy, flexibility, and respect.
A leader who can listen will be able to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level – bringing clarity and understanding into every conversation.
This takes practice, of course, but start paying attention to how others think and respond, so you can adapt your messaging to meet the needs of your employees.
Not only will your organization benefit from improved communication and productivity, but job satisfaction will skyrocket when employees feel seen and understood in every interaction.
Want to take the internal communications of your company to the next level?
I’d love to chat with you about how to amplify your team’s productivity and collaboration through customized, individual coaching or organizational workshops.
Reach out here to learn more!
Dawn Garibaldi is the CEO and Founder of Amplify Strategy Group. As an experienced corporate leader and certified executive coach, she’s on a mission to serve leaders who find themselves in high stress, high stakes, new or changed situations to create significant impact, confident performance and powerful relationships -- with stakeholders, teams and peers. She shares powerful strategies and tactics to quickly amplify confidence, success and achievements far beyond what they thought possible.