3 Common Phrases You Use at Work That You May Want to Rethink

We all think and work differently, so it’s important to be mindful of the words we use.

Many people hear the term “neurodiversity” and think of a set of deficits to manage, or cognitive differences such as ADHD or dyslexia. But the truth is, no two brains are exactly alike. Chantel Prat, author of the book The Neuroscience of You, explains that neurodiversity applies to all of us, since we all learn, listen, understand, and react to information in our own unique ways.

Some common phrases we use at work may unintentionally overlook the fact that everyone’s brain processes information differently. For example, saying “It’s just common sense” assumes that everyone interprets situations the same way, when in reality, our brains draw from different experiences and patterns.

Here are three common phrases you may want to rethink — along with Microsteps to help foster better communication and understanding:

1. “This meeting should have been an email.”

People who process information better by reading or than talking about it, might prefer emails to meetings. But for people who process things verbally or those who have dyslexia, the opposite is true: "this email should have been a meeting.”

Microstep: Follow meetings with emails reinforcing key points, and follow emails by encouraging everyone to follow-up in person if needed. This gives everyone the flexibility to engage in the way that works best for their brain.

2. "Let’s hear from the people who haven’t spoken yet."

Many people think that if someone is quiet in a meeting, it means they are not engaged. But some people process information internally before speaking, while others may prefer to contribute in writing or in one-on-one settings.

Microstep: End each meeting by letting teammates know that you’re available to chat privately. This gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions if they weren’t comfortable or ready during the meeting.

3. “Can everyone please turn their cameras on?”

Some people may find being on camera more distracting or difficult, it may make them uncomfortable or find that it bothers their eyes. Perhaps being off camera helps them pay better attention and be more engaged. Similarly, someone who always wants to meet in person rather than emailing or chatting may process information better verbally rather than by reading.

Microstep: If a teammate does a task differently from you, ask them about their approach in a non-judgmental way. For example, someone may turn their camera off during meetings because it helps them pay better attention, not because they’re tuning out.