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.
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