Have you ever been in conflict with someone because of a miscommunication? Of course! Who hasn't? This is a very common problem. You can minimize interpersonal struggles in your work and personal life by reducing misunderstandings. Robert Sommer, author of The Mind's Eye, wrote, "Misunderstanding can result when people automatically assume that others think as they do." By increasing your awareness of your assumptions and then checking for clarification using your active listening skills, you can reduce communication mix-ups.

Some tips for reducing misunderstandings:

		When a co-worker, customer or boss shares an idea, opinion or request: Develop a habit of asking yourself, "Do I know what s/he meant?" Regardless of whether the answer is yes or no, you are consciously checking your perception instead of automatically assuming you know. You will be surprised at how often you realize you need to double-check the meaning of the other's message.
		If you aren't sure you understand, encourage the person to tell you more or ask an open-ended question that will help clarify the speaker's meaning. "Tell me more." "What do you mean?" "How would that work?"
		If you think you understand, first paraphrase what you heard to check that you actually do understand before you share your response. "So you're saying..." "The meaning I took from what you said was.... Do I have it right?"

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		Janie Trainor: jtrainor@novaworks.org
		Marsha Austin: maustin@novaworks.org
		www.pepskills.org