Have you ever responded to someone without truly understanding what they were saying? It happens to all of us. Often, we find ourselves physically present but mentally disengaged, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for connection. This lack of presence stems from what can be described as an “unaware way of being.”

An “unaware way of being” refers to a state where a person is not conscious of their surroundings, actions, or even their own thoughts. This lack of awareness often manifests in several ways:

• Being lost in thought
• Failing to register the details of a situation
• Lack of focus
• Unintentionally impacting others through unconsidered behavior
• Resistance to alternative perspectives or feedback

This phenomenon is not only relevant to individual actions but also plays a significant role in how human wiring affects communication. Human wiring refers to the innate tendencies and preferences that shape how individuals create ideas, process thought, and interact with others. When people are unaware of their own wiring or the wiring of those around them, it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and inefficiencies—both in personal relationships and in the workplace.

The Workplace Impact of Ineffective Communication

Research reveals that 86% of employees attribute workplace failures to ineffective communication and poor internal communication skills. Many of these issues could be resolved simply by understanding people’s natural communication styles, which are rooted in their human wiring.

Consider the case of Jerry and Patrick, two team members with contrasting wiring elements:

• Jerry is driven by results and prefers to operate independently. He has a natural tendency to debate ideas and remains steadfast in his own approach, often disregarding input he doesn’t find relevant.
• Patrick, on the other hand, thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. He values harmony, cooperative interactions, and the open sharing of ideas—not debates.

Without an understanding of their differing communication preferences, tension arises. Jerry might strongly advocate for his ideas, leading Patrick to feel defensive. Over time, Patrick may withhold his ideas entirely, anticipating conflict and misinterpreting Jerry’s debate as a personal attack. This dynamic creates barriers to effective teamwork and stifles innovation.

Building Awareness Through Human Wiring

By fostering awareness of human wiring, Jerry and Patrick can bridge their communication gap and work more effectively together:

• For Jerry: He learns to actively seek input from others, recognizing that collaboration can strengthen his ideas and improve team cohesion.
• For Patrick: He gains confidence in asserting his ideas, understanding that Jerry’s debating style is not a personal affront but a reflection of his wiring.

This awareness transforms their interactions, enabling more productive conversations and reducing the friction that once hindered their collaboration.

The Broader Implications

Understanding human wiring doesn’t just improve communication within teams; it fosters empathy, adaptability, and mutual respect contributing to a collaborative company culture. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in social settings, recognizing and honoring these innate preferences can unlock deeper connections and greater effectiveness in all aspects of life.

When we move from an “unaware way of being” to intentional awareness, we create opportunities for growth, improved relationships, and meaningful communication. By embracing the principles of human wiring, we can all become better communicators, collaborators, and leaders.

Invitation

To learn more or register for our upcoming Wired to Win 101 class, click HERE.

Whether you’re presenting to potential clients, leading your team, or engaging with a nonprofit board, as a business leader, you have a wide range of audiences. And each of these groups requires an approach that resonates with them. Your role is to make every meeting effective by engaging participants in ways they naturally connect with and process information.

The Common Misstep in Meetings

Many leaders inadvertently design meetings or deliver training that doesn’t account for the diverse ways people learn or process information. Often, meetings focus more on what the leader wants to convey rather than how participants will best absorb it. But here’s the key: a successful meeting or training is not about you—it’s about your audience. Your job is to captivate and engage participants, making your content resonate, no matter how dry or fascinating the topic might be.

The Power of Human Wiring

Your audience is “hardwired” to learn and engage in specific ways, although many won’t be able to articulate this themselves. Some people learn best through verbalizing, others need to put their thumbprint on things, still others prefer detailed explanations or visual aids. Understanding these styles helps you design meetings that connect with each attendee on a personal level, making your content impactful and actionable.

Applying Human Wiring to Meeting Design

Imagine leading a team that learns best through trial and error. If your presentation is a continuous stream of information without room for hands-on engagement, it’s likely to fall flat. Instead, you should create opportunities for participation, where team members can actively try things out or contribute ideas. This approach is particularly effective for learners who thrive through interaction and feedback.

Becoming a Meeting Master

To be an exceptional meeting leader, start with understanding your own human wiring and expand that awareness to your audience’s. Recognizing and aligning with the way people naturally process information is the foundation of all impactful communication. By doing so, you not only elevate the quality of your meetings but also inspire your audience to take meaningful action.

Invitation

If you are inspired to level up your leadership and learn how human wiring can elevate your communication, leadership, and engagement, join us for Wired to Win 101: How Are You Hardwired. Register HERE.