Lost in Translation
Bridging the Communication Gap in Remote Work
The shift to distributed work has undeniably impacted how we interact with colleagues. Missing the subtle social cues we rely on in face-to-face settings can create gaps in our understanding of situations. This can lead to a lot of internal monologue – and not always the positive kind.
Without those nonverbal cues, we might misinterpret a colleague's short email as curtness, or a manager's silence in a video call as disapproval. These gaps can trigger our brains to fill in the blanks, often with narratives that cast things in a negative light. We start constructing stories about what others might be thinking, and these stories often become unnecessarily elaborate.
The good news is that we can bridge this communication gap and prevent these negative narratives from taking hold.
Three Powerful Questions to Foster Understanding:
What story am I constructing about this situation? When you find yourself questioning someone's intentions or feeling insecure, take a step back and identify the story you're telling yourself. Is it rooted in evidence, or are you filling in the blanks?
What competing stories might be true? There's always more than one side to a story. Consider alternative explanations for the situation. Perhaps your manager is simply busy, or your colleague is dealing with personal matters.
How can I work out which story is most accurate? Don't jump to conclusions. Instead, actively seek clarity. Reach out to your colleague or manager for a quick clarification call or a video chat.
For more support with communication dynamics at work, check out our workshops.