Jefferson Fisher Is Begging People To Stop Making This Communication Mistake at Work

Whether you're preparing to present data in front of your colleagues, brainstorming new ideas with your team or stepping into an impromptu meeting with your boss, you likely have plenty of opportunities to work on your communication skills at work. For some people, like lawyer Jefferson Fisher, these skills come naturally. For others, it's an uphill battle filled with nervous sweat, shakiness and rapid breathing.

Author of The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More (released March 18), Fisher shares plenty of insight related to giving feedback, improving social skills and gaining confidence with your words. And with 5.9 million Instagram followers , many of us have already benefited (and continue to benefit) from the straightforward tips and tricks he provides.

Now, Fisher shares with Parade  the common communication issues he sees in the workplace, and how to solve them—including the #1 most common mistake that can easily be avoided.

Related: The 3-Minute Conversation That Could Save Your Career (and Sanity)

The Common Mistake To Avoid at Work, According to Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher

"One of the most common issues I see in the workplace is trying to attack too many issues at once in a conversation," Fisher tells Parade . "Each issue is mental energy. Each issue is something that can be the difference in the work culture. For example, anytime someone leads with, 'Okay everyone, we have a lot to cover today,' you can almost guarantee they won't be covering a lot that day. At least not well. There are too many side issues and unknowns."

That can be solved by breaking up the calls or meetings.

"I recommend there be one issue per conversation or meeting," he explains. "It makes the meetings shorter, more impactful, and forces you to consider whether a meeting is needed at all."

4 Other Common Communication Issues in the Workplace

1. Making Feedback Personal

"The biggest mistake people make when offering feedback is focusing on the person instead of the behavior or performance," Fisher tells Parade . "For example, saying, 'Your proposal is confusing, I didn't really get what you were saying,' will make the other person defensive and guarded, unlikely to appreciate the feedback. But if you detach the personal from it and say, 'The proposal could benefit from some clarity, but I like where it's headed,' the other person will be much more open and take it as a collaborative effort."

2. "Blacking Out" in Tough Conversations or Interviews

"It's a stress response—your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode, and it's hard to think clearly—very common, and very natural," Fisher shares. 

Fortunately, he has some tips if you find yourself in this scenario.

"To combat this, slow the conversation down. Not only slow down your words, but slow down the pace of the entire conversation," he recommends. "Take longer to reply, whether by text or face to face. It will not only allow time for the other person to calm down but also give you time to calm down as well to think more clearly and engage your logical side."

3. Misconceptions About Being Direct

"One of the biggest myths is that being direct means being rude," Fisher tells Parade .
"People often think they have to choose between honesty and kindness, but that's not true. You can be both. Being direct is about clarity, not cruelty. It's saying, 'Here's what I need,' or 'Here's what I see,' in a way that respects both your perspective and the other person's. The truth is, people appreciate directness when it's delivered with empathy. It shows you care enough to be honest."

4. Viewing Arguments as a Competition

"Arguments aren't something to win; they're something to unravel. Like a knot," Fisher explains. "Instead of pulling my way and you pulling yours, have the discipline to find the knot—the heart of the issue. Your life will be happier and find more fulfilling relationships."

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