What To Do When You’re Misunderstood

Episode Notes:Nothing prepares you for that moment: you’re accused of something you didn’t do or mean. It takes your breath away, and not in a good way. Being misunderstood happens to everyone - yes, even communication experts!If we’re not careful, we can fall into this pitfall and make the situation even worse. It’s so important to have a plan ready. Even if you’re not experiencing this right now, you’ll want to listen! These tips apply to every tense situation, so you can navigate these moments like the leader you are. Tangible TakeawaysWhen misunderstood, respond versus react - create space from the knee-jerk reaction to your response. Even a breath helps if that’s all you have time for!Look at the situation objectively, and view the situation from a neutral perspective. What are the facts? What are the possible interpretations of these facts?When you respond, come from a space of humility. Seek first to understand what happened, and avoid “you” statements. Speak with “I” statements.Own your part, and assume the best of the other person.You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice.” here 👉🏻 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PK About me:Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients). Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficialFacebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Clubhouse: @karenlaosEpisodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/