Lack of clarity in communication as a source of problems

The subjectivity of communication and its consequences

Communication, often perceived as a simple exchange of words, is in reality a highly subjective process.

Conflicts arise from subjective interpretations of words, such as misunderstanding of timelines or intentions.

People interpret information based on their own reality, experiences and expectations.

For example, the phrase "as soon as possible" may be interpreted by a manager as "stop everything you are doing and do this now," while to an employee it may mean "when I finish my current task."

This difference in perception is not malicious, but it generates delays, misunderstandings and frustration, becoming a constant source of problems that could have been avoided with clearer communication.

In addition, conflicts can arise when preferred channels of communication are not aligned.

One person may value explicit verbal communication ("I don't hear you say you love me"), while his or her partner prefers to demonstrate affection through actions or gifts ("I buy you gifts").

In this case, a person's need is not being met because their partner's communication is not on the channel they value, which generates an emotional conflict.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to be aware that the meaning of a message lies not only in the words, but in the interpretation that the receiver gives it.

Strategies for effective communication in conflict resolution

The solution to this type of conflict is not more words, but more curiosity and clarity.

It is essential to have the curiosity to understand why the other person acts in a certain way, asking open questions rather than making assumptions.

This allows you to communicate in the other person's channel, whether auditory (through sounds), visual (through images) or kinesthetic (through feelings), and build a deeper connection.

By doing this, the person will feel heard and understood, and will be more likely to open up to you.

It's about being the change you want to see in the world: if you want to be understood, you first have to understand others.

The people you interact with will give you all the information you need to understand them, you just have to listen carefully and without judgment.

When you find yourself in a conflict, it is critical to clarify any misunderstandings so that you can deal with what really is and not what you think it appears to be.

Separating behavior from interpretation is the first step in addressing conflict, as it helps us to eliminate misunderstandings and promote communication.

By clarifying intentions, you create an opportunity for communication and, if in doing so, the other person reveals an intention you did not expect, take your time to process it.

Summary

Communication is a highly subjective process. Conflicts arise from personal interpretations of words, as each individual filters information through their own reality, experiences and also their own expectations.

Ambiguous phrases such as "as soon as possible" can be interpreted in very different ways, generating misunderstandings and frustration. The problem is not bad intentions, but the lack of clear and precise communication between the parties.

To avoid these problems, the solution is not to talk more, but to be more curious and seek clarity. It is critical to ask open-ended questions rather than assumptions to understand the other person's perspective and build a real connection.