“poor communication,” mindfully speaking
Did you know that 70% of a company’s mistakes are due to poor communication, according to leadership giant, Gartner? When I first read that statistic two things crossed my mind: 1. Wow, 70%? 2. How is poor communication defined?
When experts confidently pinpoint that something is 70% of a problem, wouldn’t you imagine leaders are taking fast-action to generate a solution? I mean, I’ve not met a business professional particularly excited to lose hundreds, thousands, millions, or billions of dollars, have you?
Here’s the problem, in 2024 (for several major reasons, according to AMC research) it’s increasingly difficult and time-consuming to pinpoint these granular and frequent communication challenges that dance around us in industry all day long, so we let them go, then we have big communication problems, or “poor communication.” (yes, you should still be asking, “what the heck does poor communication mean”)?
Humble brag alert: at Anna Michele Communications we’re really good at detecting and defining “poor communication,” and generating mindful solutions to repair these challenges at the root.
The first step is becoming more mindful and aware of what’s really going on when a challenge presents. Below, we provide language to help you more intuitively identify these challenges, to increase your emotional quotient, or EQ.
As a starting point, MIT defines poor communication, (although still vague for me), as follows:
Emotional barriers and taboos
Heavy use of jargon
Physical barriers to non-verbal communications
Expectations and prejudices
Cultural/political differences
Information overload (technology/ AI technology)
(Generational communication gaps) AMC add-on
Note, I added the generational communication gap bullet point because the majority of my clients, no matter the age, religiously reveal how difficult it is for various generations to understand one another in the workplace these days.
My call to action for you this week is to go below the surface by mindfully pausing to sense “poor communication.” Become more consciously aware of what’s truly frustrating you in the present moment. You may notice something like of the following:
Does the person I’m exchanging with talk more than they listen? Do I talk more than I listen? How does this impact our work together?
Do I use more “jargon” than necessary and is that diminishing my relatability (or vice versa)? How does this impact our work?
Am I willing to process what someone is saying or do I show poor body language and reveal nonverbally how I’m truly feeling (or vice versa)? How does this impact the work?
New year, new us! Let’s embody the communicative changes we want to see, and watch our workflows and social exchanges transform into smooth success. Good luck!
Learn more about our AMC research and customized masterclasses. Anna Michele Communications wants to transform you, your colleagues and your business. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s begin, Mindfully Speaking.
I look forward to our good work together. Sending gratitude to you and your colleagues.
Mindfully Speaking,
-Anna Michele Bulszewicz
Founder, Anna Michele Communications