3 Ways You May NOT Be Communicating Clearly in Your Workplace

Effective communication is essential in any workplace, yet misunderstandings still occur. Here are three common ways you might not be communicating clearly and how to fix them:

1. You’re focused only on expression

So Communication = expression + reception

Communication isn’t just about talking, writing, or expressing ideas—it’s about ensuring the message is received and understood as intended. Reception is a huge part of communication. Yes, you read that right.

Many people believe that if they articulate their thoughts clearly, they have “communicated.” However, if the other party does not understand, misinterprets, or simply doesn’t listen, no real communication has occurred.

Effective communication requires not just expression but also active listening, empathy, and confirmation of understanding. So feedback loops are crucial in conversations—checking in with the listener, asking for clarification, and adjusting the message to ensure it’s properly received.

2. You have to want to communicate

Let’s circle back to some of the goals we covered above. Real communication requires a willingness to be understood, which means adjusting tone, choosing words carefully, and considering the perspective of the listener. Many people engage in conversations with the sole purpose of stating their opinions, venting, or persuading others without caring whether they are truly understood.

Being understood requires effort: listening actively, clarifying misunderstandings, and sometimes even adapting one’s message to meet the other person where they are. A person who only wants to speak, not communicate, may dominate conversations, interrupt, or dismiss opposing viewpoints.

Communication is a two-way street—when both parties are invested in mutual understanding, real dialogue and connection happen.

3. It helps to know what you want to communicate

Why Are You Having This Conversation?

Every conversation has an underlying purpose, whether consciously recognized or not. Before engaging in a discussion—especially one that is important or emotionally charged—it's valuable to ask:

• What do I hope to achieve with this conversation?

• Which needs do I want to meet by having it?

How can you Identify the Core Needs Behind a Conversation? Well, Conversations typically serve one or more fundamental human needs, check out the graphic below:

How does getting clear on these needs improve communication?When you know your needs, you can choose the right words, tone, and approach to increase the chances of success.If both parties in a conversation understand their own needs and communicate them openly, there is less room for miscommunication and frustration.Unrecognized needs can often lead to hidden agendas—for example, someone might think they’re giving “constructive criticism” when they’re really just venting their frustration.

Before jumping into a conversation, it’s worth pausing and asking:

• What do I really need from this conversation?

• What does the other person likely need?

• Is this the right time, place, and approach to get that need met?

That said, conflict from miscommunication is a natural part of life; and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or unmanageable. With the right approach, even the most challenging conversations can lead to growth, understanding, and stronger relationships. If you're facing a tough situation, don’t go through it alone—schedule a session with Cary today and gain the tools, strategies, and confidence to work through it effectively.