I Hate Talking to You

Proper communication makes life much easier, so it only makes sense that business will be much more difficult if you hate talking to other professionals. However, a disdain for a colleague, a member of the business community, or a deep hatred of talking to others in general may not be the only thing that prevents business from getting done.

3 Ways We Communicate Hate

We should probably get the most obvious concern out of the way first;  a simple conversation can feel like one of the most agonizing things in the world if you truly have a dislike for another individual. These types of scenarios are often internal workplace interactions. Therefore, simply not doing business with that individual may not be a realistic option.  Let’s all be rational adults here. The world is not a bowl full of cherries or full of rainbows, unicorns, free referrals, easy sales, and open love workplace relationships. Getting along with others is a part of “adulting” and being a professional within our careers.  In most cases, when two mature individuals that have a disagreement are able to set aside personal differences to get things accomplished – things end favorably. 

Another one of the most confusing and simultaneously frustrating forms of communication is email.  Before you begin associating my perception on email as old-school and antiquated, let me explain my thought-process.  Because, in my mind it seems to be super simple.

1. Acquire email address information
2. Send correspondence with previously mentioned information
3. Reply to correspondence to continue dialogue or terminate conversation

I do realize that it may not appear to be an advanced and complicated process, but it is surprisingly difficult for many in the business world. As a preoccupied or disobedient child, email after email goes by, viewed, and ignored.  For me personally, it doesn’t bother me at all to find out that someone dislikes me, but for the love of all that is sensible please at least respond to my weeks-worth of emails!  A simple “no”, or “stop emailing me” is much preferred over no contact whatsoever.  You may intend to get back to me with better intentions but can’t find the time to do so.  If that happens to be the case, just be honest and say so.  I’ll understand and give you some room.

Last, the most patronizing, and quite possibly most infuriating is the fake public“hello.”  Not sure about you, but I live in the real world, and I have no delusions that everyone will like me. This is perfectly reasonable to me as it should be for most professionals.  It is not going to hurt my feelings, I am not going to wonder why you don’t like me the rest of the day. I will simply, and happily move on.

Hate the Game, Not the Brand

The reality is that at the end of the day you have to “try” to communicate effectively even if you hate the person or situation. It may not be something you want to confront, but these are minor inconveniences that MUST be faced on a daily basis. It is very possible that you are quite lacking at interpersonal communication, and are unskilled in social interaction. You may even despise talking to other individuals, and YOU may be the problem in many scenarios. But, the cold reality is that your feelings just don’t really matter. You can hate to communicate to your heart’s content.

But, when it comes to communicating your Brand to your audience, an individual or a business does not really have a choice if they want to survive. You have to communicate your Brand to your clients. So, even if you hate to communicate you need to learn how to suck it up buttercup.

Matt Carnaghi | Twitter: @carnaghimd1 | Instagram: @carnaghimd1 | LinkedIn: Matthew Carnaghi