7 Ways to Bridge the Gap in Communication and Be Understood

Perception vs Reality: The Challenges of Communication

Introduction

In the world of communication, there exists a significant disconnect between what one person intends to convey and what another person actually comprehends. This dissonance has been a perennial challenge for individuals and organizations alike, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and ultimately, unsuccessful outcomes. In a professional setting, such as a work call, this disparity can be particularly frustrating and detrimental to progress. However, it is essential to recognize and navigate this reality, especially for security professionals whose success depends on effective communication. This article explores the reasons behind this perceptual gap and provides strategies to compensate for it.

1. People Don’t Read

It may seem inconceivable, but the reality is that some individuals simply do not read. Regardless of the medium—email, text, chat, document, or presentation—it is unwise for security professionals to rely solely on written communication. When engaging important stakeholders, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between reiterating key points and ensuring everyone starts from the same understanding. By doing so, security teams can more effectively advance their strategic initiatives and effectively convey their messages.

2. People Don’t Listen

Another disheartening truth is that not everyone listens attentively. Despite reiterating information multiple times, important details may still go unnoticed. To mitigate this challenge, security professionals must prioritize the information they communicate and continually emphasize crucial points through various means and media. By applying a multi-faceted communication strategy, they increase the likelihood of capturing the attention of all stakeholders and minimizing the risk of important messages being overlooked.

3. People Build a Picture Based on Assumptions

In the absence of concrete facts and knowledge, individuals often make assumptions to form an understanding. The problem arises when people believe they have a complete grasp of the situation without recognizing that their perception is built upon assumptions. To counter this predicament, security professionals must provide stakeholders with the necessary data points, assisting them in forming an accurate picture. Failing to do so can result in misperceptions that undermine the credibility of security programs and impede progress.

4. People Confuse Facts and Opinions

Distinguishing facts from opinions is a pervasive challenge, causing individuals to blur the lines between objective truth and subjective perspective. As security professionals, it is imperative to document the factual information clearly. Mark Twain’s insightful quote, “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled,” holds true in this scenario. By meticulously recording and presenting facts, security professionals can minimize the risk of misinformation and maintain the integrity of their work.

5. People Aren’t Logical

Logical individuals often find it frustrating to engage with those who base their conclusions on personal feelings, beliefs, or what seems ‘right’ to them. Understanding the driving forces behind stakeholders’ conclusions is crucial for security professionals to address misunderstandings efficiently. By gaining insight into the audience’s cognitive processes and emotions, security professionals can tailor their messaging to resonate with their listeners and bridge the gap between logical analysis and personal intuition.

6. People Don’t Use Occam’s Razor

Occam’s razor, a philosophical principle advocating for simpler explanations, is a useful tool for security professionals in finding elegant and effective solutions. However, not everyone possesses the inclination to embrace simplicity or prioritize straightforward explanations. In these cases, security professionals must be patient and adept at adjusting their explanations to accommodate different perspectives. By persistently guiding stakeholders toward the most logical and straightforward conclusions, security professionals increase the chances of successful communication.

7. People Don’t Have Good Judgment

The aphorism “there are two sides to every story” acknowledges the existence of differing viewpoints. However, it is also essential to acknowledge that sometimes one side is unequivocally incorrect. Unfortunately, individuals with poor judgment often struggle to recognize their fallacies, particularly outside their area of expertise. For security professionals, reliance on others’ judgment in matters of security is imprudent. Instead, explicit, clear, and concise guidance, explanations, and requests become indispensable tools to ensure accurate perceptions and actions.

Conclusion: The Importance of Perception

In an ideal world, clear communication would result in a shared understanding of the intended meaning. However, in reality, perception holds greater importance than raw information. Security professionals must adapt their delivery methods to align with this fundamental truth, offering clarity, emphasizing key points, and tailoring messaging to audience needs. By acknowledging the challenges of perception and mastering effective communication strategies, security professionals can elevate the perception of their programs and foster meaningful improvements in organizational security postures.

As the digital landscape evolves, it is important for security professionals to remain vigilant about internet security precautions. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and employee training, is crucial to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats. Furthermore, staying informed about the latest security threats and best practices is essential in maintaining effective defenses against evolving cyber attacks.