One Tool You Can Use Today: Be Direct
Most communication disasters - work, home, friendships, relationships - you name it - happen because someone decided telepathy was an acceptable strategy. Here’s your first tool: Use your words. The real ones. Out loud. In sentences. Examples: Not: “I figured you knew what I meant.” → Translation: “I hoped you’d decode my cryptic nonsense.” Say: “I wasn’t clear. Here’s what I actually meant.” Not: “You should’ve just known.” → Translation: “I expect psychic powers, apparently.” Say: “Next time, here’s what I need from you.” Not: “Everything’s fine.” → Translation: “Everything is absolutely NOT fine and I’m being dramatic.” Say: “I’m annoyed because X. Let’s sort it out.” Not: “You NEVER listen.” → Translation: “I’m mad and exaggerating for flair.” Say: “I asked twice and didn’t get a response.” This tool fixes (or mildly inhibits): · Office drama · Passive-aggressive coworkers · Mean-girl cliques · Leadership “mystery instructions” · Employees pretending confusion · Dating disasters · Friendship blowups · Relationship arguments that would end instantly if one person used a complete sentence Where did someone in your life absolutely refuse to use their words this week—and how did it go?