8 ways to avoid misunderstandings, communicate better, and get more done at work
Inc.|December 2017/January 2018

8 ways to avoid misunderstandings, communicate better, and get more done at work

8 ways to avoid misunderstandings, communicate better, and get more done at work

Anyone who’s had a project go awry knows that misunderstandings between co-workers can cost a company as much time, money, and energy as unnecessary meetings or poorly run processes. But getting aligned with people gets even harder as digital communication tools increasingly become the most common way to interact at work.

Considering how much of every day we spend typing—whether it’s blog posts, tweets, messages to big public channels, or in private conversations—it’s more important than ever that we’re able to communicate clearly in writing.

But getting the words right every time? That’s hard. Making sure that people understand your intention and your tone? Also hard! To prevent this productivity quicksand from dragging you and your team down, here are some tips for bringing greater clarity and context to your digital communications at work.

1. Meet people where they are. 

Before firing off your thoughts, take a moment to consider your reader. If you’re writing to someone who is typically pressed for time, keep your statements short and snappy. If you’re talking to someone who has less experience, you might want to approach the conversation as a mentor and provide a little more context or offer some words of encouragement. Knowing your reader and tailoring your message ensures your point isn’t just heard, but well received.

2. Be your own editor. 

If you’re writing a slightly longer missive, like a brief, a report, or a note that requires more explanation, don’t just write everything that comes into your head expecting your reader to dig out your point. Read what you’ve typed a few times over (and wonder out loud if you can’t get your message down by 40%, or better yet, 70%) before pressing “send.”

Denne historien er fra December 2017/January 2018-utgaven av Inc..

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2017/January 2018-utgaven av Inc..

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA INC.Se alt
A Bankable Pet Project - How Moonshots Capital helped eTailPet scale up and attract a buyer in just three years.
Inc.

A Bankable Pet Project - How Moonshots Capital helped eTailPet scale up and attract a buyer in just three years.

Berenice Giannini's startup, eTailPet, wasn't a natural fit for Moonshots Capital. The Austin-based venture firm, launched in 2014 by Kelly Perdew and Craig Cummings, both of whom had previously served in the U.S. Army, frequently backs companies founded by military veterans.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Backers Should Have Your Back - The best capital provider for your business will offer a helping hand, not just deep pockets.
Inc.

Backers Should Have Your Back - The best capital provider for your business will offer a helping hand, not just deep pockets.

Three years ago, U.S. entrepreneurs were enjoying one of the best funding environments in decades. Venture capital and private equity hit all-time highs as banks loaned at historically low interest rates. All you needed to get a term sheet, it seemed, was a smile and a pitch deck.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Lift Off - Would you pay $50,000 to touch the edge of space?
Inc.

Lift Off - Would you pay $50,000 to touch the edge of space?

Would you pay $50,000 to touch the edge of space? Meet the entrepreneurs providing a rarified clientele with a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime journey.So you want to go to space. To take in the expansive curvature of the Earth glowing miles above the atmosphere, surrounded by pure darkness. To experience the mind-altering overview effect described by astronauts as a transcendent state of awe, staring back at the planet on which you've inhaled your every living breath.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
There Will Always be Those Who Doubt You and Your Vision. Here's How to Tune Them Out. - Recently, I invited an experienced luxury hotelier to visit the new campus we were building near Santa Fe for Modern Elder Academy,
Inc.

There Will Always be Those Who Doubt You and Your Vision. Here's How to Tune Them Out. - Recently, I invited an experienced luxury hotelier to visit the new campus we were building near Santa Fe for Modern Elder Academy,

Recently, I invited an experienced luxury hotelier to visit the new campus we were building near Santa Fe for Modern Elder Academy, the midlife wisdom school I co-founded in 2018.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A Scientific Discovery that Unlocks Your Body's Healing Power
Inc.

A Scientific Discovery that Unlocks Your Body's Healing Power

The founder of Stemregen, a company that creates powerful supplements that stimulate the body's natural repair system, explains how a \"fringe idea\" opened up a new world of stem cell therapy.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Transformative Growth: Agency Masters the Art of Evolution
Inc.

Transformative Growth: Agency Masters the Art of Evolution

As a destination marketer, Awestruck has mapped out a journey to success by constantly developing its services and its staff.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
For the Love of the Restaurant Experience
Inc.

For the Love of the Restaurant Experience

The founder and CEO of DJB Hospitality shares his passion for the challenging and uniquely rewarding hospitality industry.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Custom PEO Solutions for Blue-Collar Industries
Inc.

Custom PEO Solutions for Blue-Collar Industries

COMPEO is an HR management solutions provider with a jaw-dropping five-figure growth rate.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Homebuying Was BrokenMeet the Founders Here to Fix It
Inc.

Homebuying Was BrokenMeet the Founders Here to Fix It

Cecilian Partners is a fast-growing technology firm providing end-to-end solutions for production homebuilders and land developers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A Focus on Complete Solutions for Regulatory Environments
Inc.

A Focus on Complete Solutions for Regulatory Environments

The Northcross Group develops sustainable processes for clients with compliance needs.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024