The #1 Communication Blocker We Don’t Talk About

BEYOND WORDS

It’s Not What You Say, It’s What You Assume

We all strive for clear communication at work. But the real barrier isn’t a poor choice of words, often it’s the unconscious assumptions we carry about gender, identity, roles, and what's "normal." These hidden biases show up in our interactions and determine whether colleagues feel seen, heard and respected.

ASSUMPTIONS IN ACTION

Our Everyday Habits Can Send the Wrong Message

These slights are often not intentional, simply automatic defaults; and they can make people (especially those from historically marginalized groups) feel misrepresented and disrespected. Do any of these sound familiar?

• Greeting a mixed-gender group with “Hey guys.”

• Assuming someone’s pronouns based on their name or appearance.

• Giving someone a nickname because their name feels “too hard” to pronounce.

• Asking a colleague about their “wife” or “husband” without knowing how they refer to their spouse.

• Using default masculine titles like chairman or salesman.

• Referring to “the disabled” instead of “people with disabilities.”

THE BUSINESS IMPACT

From Exclusion to Underperformance

When assumptions go unchecked, they chip away at psychological safety. People who don't feel fully included are less likely to speak up, share innovative ideas, or ask critical questions. The result? We miss out on valuable contributions, and team performance suffers.

THE PATH FORWARD

Become a More Inclusive Communicator and Leader

It starts with questioning assumptions. Before you speak, pause and ask yourself:

• Am I assuming something about this person’s identity or background?

• Is my language choice reflecting that assumption?

• Could I rephrase this to be more open, accurate, and respectful?

Better communication begins when we pay attention not just to what we say, but to the assumptions behind it.