Acknowledge the Emotions
When we speak, we intend to have it perceived in a certain way. That is one track. If we are effective communicators, the message we send gets recognized the way we mean it too.
Effective communication is difficult and requires more than just making sure you use the “right words.” Emotions, among other things, have to be acknowledged as well.
Emotions are a layer on our perception and frame how we see the world.
If we don’t acknowledge them, our emotions can hijack a conversation. The hijacking happens subtly and creates what I call the two-track effect.
The two-track effect is when communication occurs between two parties, and they walk away from it with two wildly different perceptions of the outcome. At some point, effective communication stopped, and the message got on a different track then speaker thinks.
The two-track effect compounds. If left alone, it can destroy relationships and culture.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 