Here's the Reason Why You and Your Co-worker Always Misunderstand Each Other

Updated 6/19/2020

This video by TED-Ed discusses why miscommunication is so common, and how we can begin to become more active listeners and better conversationalists.

Miscommunication happens all the time: when your boss doesn’t really understand the “awesomeness” of your idea, when a co-worker mistakes a harmless joke for a targeted insult, or when a client assumes your short email response means you’re not interested in working with him or her. Despite how many times we explain ourselves, sometimes things just don’t come out the way we intend them to.

So, why is this such a common problem when we all speak the same language?

Because communication’s an extremely complex process—one that is shaped not just by the person speaking, but everyone else involved. Each person brings his or her own biases, lenses, and opinions to any given conversation.

For us to begin to understand each other a little bit better, we must learn how to actively listen and keep an open mind (and practice a little thing called empathy). Watch this TED-Ed video to get started.

Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway. You can follow her work on her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn.