Why Anupam Mittal might raise the room temperature when someone says ‘Haan Haan, Samajh Gaya’ in his office

Understanding the communication gap in Indian work culture

• Social conditioning: In many Indian households and schools, questioning authority can be perceived as disrespectful. This mindset often carries over into the workplace, where speaking up might be seen as challenging a superior’s authority.
• Educational system: India’s education system traditionally emphasizes rote learning over critical thinking and open dialogue, reinforcing the idea that asking questions signals a lack of understanding.
• Professional hierarchies: Indian workplaces often have strict hierarchical structures, where junior employees may feel intimidated about questioning their seniors, fearing it might be seen as a challenge to their authority.

• Misaligned expectations: Projects can veer off course if team members misunderstand instructions or project goals.
• Wasted resources: Time and effort are wasted when work needs to be redone due to unclear instructions.
• Lower morale: Persistent communication breakdowns can lead to frustration and reduced job satisfaction.
• Reduced innovation: An environment where questions are discouraged stifles creativity and innovation, as employees hesitate to share unconventional ideas.

Lessons from the US work culture

• Open communication is valued: Employees are encouraged to seek clarification without fear of judgment.
• Feedback loops are established: Regular check-ins and feedback sessions are used to ensure alignment.
• Initiative is rewarded: Proactively asking for clarification is seen as a sign of commitment to quality.

Practical strategies to bridge the communication gap

• Encourage team members to repeat back what they understood from a conversation. This technique helps identify misunderstandings early in the process and ensures alignment.

• Example: After assigning a task, a manager might say, “Just to confirm we’re on the same page, can you walk me through your understanding of this project?”

• Body language can be a powerful indicator of understanding. Overenthusiastic nodding, for instance, might indicate nervous agreement rather than genuine comprehension.

• Example: Look for signs of discomfort, like forced smiles or quick nods, which may indicate that an employee is not fully following the discussion.

• Foster a workplace culture where asking questions is seen as a strength, not a weakness. This can be achieved by encouraging healthy debate and challenging assumptions.

• Example: During meetings, explicitly invite questions by saying, “I want to make sure everyone’s on board, so feel free to push back or ask for clarification.”

The psychological barrier: Moving from fear to confidence

Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans