Are you are responsible for what you said, or what people understood?
Are you are responsible for what you said, or what people understood? 
What a double edged sword this one is. There are only two ways to go about it, I think. On one hand there is not so much what you said but how. If your content does not match your gestures and mimics than don’t be surprised if you’ll find yourself on a person to be misunderstood and perhaps avoided list.
The other side of this medal is strictly that you can say what you want and how people understand you is yet another thing. And it does not even matter sometimes what you say and how, you just will never be understood – because the other person may not want to understand you. Prejudice and judgment are a 21st century infliction that probably has never been any worse in history.
How do you keep yourself out of trouble? Do not send out mixed body language messages and make sure your content is on target and professional. There is only so much you can do though. Be natural and honest – if some meanies still do not like you and keep misunderstanding you there is nothing you will be able to do about that. Be yourself. Period.
Ralf
I agree…sometimes you just have to stop trying to please the masses if the only person who is suffering is you. You’re either to far ahead or to far behind to ever catch up (depending on your perspective) , so enjoy the place you’re at.
Of course, you could always just ask them to clarify something; but that would mean you cared about what they said or cared enough about them or a situation to want to understand. Great post. I like situations that make me think…sometimes even thoughts that are uncomfortable.
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Thanks for your comment and the tie in with trying to please the masses. That is a caveat I could/ should have included. Have a great holiday weekend. Ralf
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Thanks dad for teaching everyone an important lesson!
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Thanks, Katie. Glad you liked it. By the way, it’s not teaching – it’s trying to inspire and ponder. Papa
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