"Micro-messages" Matter by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

We communicate in so many different ways beyond the words we use. Ever day we send hundreds of messages to others at work and at home. Yet, only the most astute and aware communicators recognize how they are received and perceived.

Stephen Young is the president of “Insight Education Systems” and a diversity expert. He leads a seminar entitled, “Micro-inequities: The Power of Small,” which examines these “subconscious messages” sent in the workplace that often discourage and devalue workers. Young’s work focuses on the often-challenging reality of communicating in a diverse professional setting.

According to Young, some of these micro-inequities include looks, gestures or tones that are communicated around power relationships. He says it is sometimes about “giving off the vibe” that less is expected from one worker as opposed to another.

Another powerful example of a detrimental micro-message involves how a new employee is introduced to his workplace team. Sometimes the team leader will simply identify the new employee by name without saying anything about the person’s talent or ability. The boss doesn’t address the employee’s potential contribution to the team. To make it worse, the leader will mispronounce the employee’s name. Such communication has an adverse impact on the new employee as well as the entire team.

Another negative micro-message involves not greeting or saying, “hello” when seeing a colleague at work. The offender often views it as “being in his own world” while the other person feels ignored and disrespected. Later that day, the two may have to work together while this undercurrent of negativity remains. Such a “small” incident is often the beginning of a destructive history between two professionals who need to communicate and work effectively together.

With this in mind, consider some positive micro-messages we can send that will have a constructive impact on those we work with:

--Be specific. Use people’s names when attributing credit for great ideas. Instead of using “he” or “she,” name the person. Rather than saying they had a “good idea” state specifically what the idea was. Instead of walking with your eyes down at the ground, greet others with your eyes, your face and your voice. If you have a tendency of only saying, “hello,” to certain employees you are closer to, proactively reach out to others.

--Proactively seek the opinion of others by asking questions like; “Jim, I’d like your thoughts on how we can reduce the budget by 5% in the new year.” This micro-message is communicating to Jim that you respect and appreciate his point of view and that the team needs him in order to succeed.

--When facilitating a meeting, work to get everyone involved. If Jim has offered his perspective on the budget, proactively turn to Mary and ask; “Mary, what are your thoughts on Jim’s recommendations?” Most leaders don’t communicate in this fashion and their teams pay the price.

--Fight the urge to interrupt. Consistently cutting off a colleague before he has completed a statement or thought, clearly communicates that you don’t respect or appreciate him or his perspective. Incessant interrupting is no small matter.

--Monitor your non-verbal communication. When you roll your eyes or fold your arms tightly, it can send a more powerful message that anything you say. You are also building walls and barriers. Rather, ask yourself how you would feel if someone did that to you.

Finally, be proactive. Ask those whose opinion your trust and value what messages (positive and negative) they believe you are sending. Once you are aware of how you are received by others you can start making a conscious effort to improve the micro-messages you are sending to others.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.