Tools for Better Communication
Tools for Better Communication Communication is most effective when there is congruence between what we say and what we do. Congruence means our words, tone, and body language all point in the same direction. When these elements do not align, communication becomes misleading, and trust begins to erode. For example, imagine a manager addressing their team by saying, “I’m really excited about this project.” However, their tone is flat, their shoulders are slouched, and their eyes are fixed on the floor. The words say “excitement,” but the non-verbal signals communicate disinterest or even fear. The team will doubt the sincerity of the message because humans are wired to believe what they see and feel more than what they hear. Therefore, being intentional, self-aware, and consistent in our communication is vital for conflict management, leadership, and collaboration. Three Realities of Communication Much of what we communicate is unconscious Many of our gestures, facial...