I know this is one I have to work on. I think it’s human nature to assume every human thinks the same way. At least process wise and often we assume that what we like others would like.

The hotline I have has been great helping me learn how others think. People call in and listen to a different message I leave every day and they can leave comments. In the beginning I Sometimes wondered where they came up with whatever they were saying. Then I realized they were just thinking in a different way and they were hearing things different from what I meant. It was eye opening and I have learned so much from it.

It always helps if you ask someone to explain what they are thinking and how they go to that point. But do it in a nice way letting them know you’re not being accusatory. That you’re just interested.

Do that with enough people and you’ll realize that more people think differently from you than you would ever have imagined. It might help you change how you communicate and also will help you do less defensive responding.

Always ask.