Mind Your Language! Please!

…but it’s not just about the words we use, it’s about how they are interpreted… 

 

We all bring our unique experiences and biases to every conversation. This means that even with the clearest language, misinterpretations and misunderstandings can happen. 

 

…and whether you’re building new products or delivering projects, these misinterpretations can be costly – think DELAY, think REWORK, think WASTE. 

 

So, what can we do…? 

 

✅ Be mindful of your own biases – how might your past experiences be influencing your understanding or the message you hear? 

✅ Actively listen and ask clarifying questions – don’t assume you know what someone means – check in with them 

✅ Playback your understanding – repeat what you heard in your own words to check you both have the same interpretation 

✅ Encourage others to do the same – ask “how will you apply this information” to ensure they have the right context 

 

The more aligned you are on understanding, the more efficient your execution will be.