Being understood

Problem: It seems like I have such a hard time being understood. I don’t think it is me, but then again I have been told that I am hard to get along with.

I have a certain way of doing things, and for the most part I am okay with other people doing it their way. I do get upset when I am on a project and people do not follow simple directions. I do get a little miffed and maybe even short when I have to repeat directions over and over again.

The thing is that I’m the boss. These are people I have hired to do a job. My main question is how to get people to follow what I want done?

Discussion: It seems that people follow simple instructions if they are given simply. If a person’s job description is something they understood coming into the job, then it is clear what is expected. If this has not been clear, it can cause a lot of problems, because there is not great understanding from the beginning.

Since you are in charge and you are paying these people to follow your lead, what are you doing that is not clear and simple? What kind of leader are you? How do you work with people in a respectful manner? Outside of work, how easily are you understood? Has anyone accused you of being a good communicator? You said you have been told you are hard to get along with. How much of that is true?

If you are the leader you do have to teach people with all kinds of personality issues. You must speak a language that they can understand. The burden of being understood is on you for the most part. If people are not getting it, part of it is you and part of it is them. Clear up your communication, and if you do not have a job description they can understand, get one.

Tip: If in doubt be as clear as possible and kind. This will take you a long way towards being understood.

To submit problems contact Juanita Sanchez, psychotherapist, by email at jsanchez1448@sbcglobal.net or contact the High Plains Journal.