Individuals send anywhere from 40 to 150 micromessages to each other in an average 10-minute conversation. You can turn these micromessages into microadvantages and build a more inclusive organization with these techniques:
1. Solicit Opinions. Find opportunities to ask, "I'd like your opinion about" This sends a message that you value the thoughts and perspectives of others.
2. Connect on a Personal Level. Take a few minutes to engage in a non-business conversation with a colleague. This helps build the feeling that you are interested in them as a person and often results in heightened loyalty and commitment.
3. Ask Questions. When you have a negative reaction to a colleague's statement or suggestion, lead your response with a question, not a statement.
4. Attribute/Credit Ideas. Acknowledge, by name, the "owner" of an idea in a meeting.
5. Monitor Facial Expressions. Be conscious of your facial expressions while listening to a colleague. Most Microinequities are communicated through facial expressions. These often go unnoticed because we don't see our own expressions.
6. Actively Listen. Sending a clear message of being attentive to the speaker enhances the quality of their message.
7. Draw in Participation. When addressing a group, send messages that encourage participation from everyone. In some cultures, making routine eye contact encourages participation.
8. Monitor Personal Greeting. Be sensitive to how you greet someone with whom you have a close relationship in the presence of others.
9. Respond Constructively to Differences. When responding to someone's comment you disagree with, show that you understand their perspective before you offer a different view.
