10
people have this problem
01
THE PROBLEM
I can explain exactly the same thing to two different people and get completely different reactions. One person immediately understands what I'm saying. Another questions everything, loses interest or reacts in a way I didn't expect. It happens when I'm trying to explain an idea, get someone on board, resolve a disagreement, give feedback or simply work better with someone.
The frustrating part is that I don't always understand why an approach works with one person but not another. I know people think, communicate and make decisions differently, but recognising those differences and knowing what to do about them are two very different things.
Sometimes I only realise I've approached someone the wrong way after the conversation has already gone badly. I'd like to better understand how different people prefer to communicate and how I can adapt my approach, rather than relying on guesswork.
02
Why IT MATTERS
So much of what we achieve depends on other people. Whether we're working in teams, managing relationships, introducing change, solving problems or trying to get support for an idea, our ability to communicate effectively makes a difference. When communication doesn't work, it can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, conflict, delayed decisions and missed opportunities. And it's not always because people disagree with what we're saying. Sometimes the way we're communicating simply isn't connecting with them. Being able to adapt how we approach different people could make everyday interactions more productive and less frustrating.
03
what people currently do
I mostly rely on instinct, experience and trial and error. I might ask someone for advice, think back to what worked previously or try changing my approach when a conversation isn't going well. Sometimes I use personality assessments or communication frameworks to understand people better, but turning that information into practical actions isn't always straightforward. Most of the learning happens through experience, often after something hasn't worked.
REAL PROBLEMS. REAL PEOPLE. BETTER WAYS