Words don’t have a fixed meaning; we assign meaning to them based on our individual perspectives. For example, my definition of ‘beauty’ may differ from yours. This variance applies to many situations. When I ask someone to offer training, manage a project, or handle a complaint, each task can be interpreted differently depending on the individual. This is a common source of miscommunication.
So, what can we do about it?
The first step is to establish a shared glossary of terms. We then ensure there is a common understanding and alignment on these definitions. By clarifying assumptions and expectations, we create alignment around the meaning of keywords. Once our interpretations of words are in sync, the chances of miscommunication are reduced.
