MSS #082: Enhance Your Communication Skills: Discover the Power of Cognitive Filters

MSS #082: Enhance Your Communication Skills: Discover the Power of Cognitive Filters

3 August, 2024

🕒Read time: 1.8 minutes

🚀 In a hurry? Skip to “Cognitive Filters in Action” for a reduced reading time of 1 minute.

Our minds are like finely tuned instruments, filtering the world around us through cognitive filters.

These filters shape our perceptions, decisions, and interactions.

By understanding cognitive filters, we can improve our communication, make better decisions, and foster stronger relationships.

My intention with this newsletter is not to turn you into a guru, simply to help you notice situations you find your connection or understanding with someone is way off and you want to connect better.

If you are up for that, read on. Ready?

What Are Cognitive Filters?

Cognitive filters are unconscious processes that determine how we perceive information and experiences.

These filters influence our behaviour, decision-making, and how we communicate.

Our brains have all sorts of systems to make decision making easier with filters, labels and so much more.

When these filters are used, we do so without conscious thought, they are part of our deep “programming”.

So, when we process the world with a filters we assume, in fact most people never even think about it, that other people’s filters are the same. It’s as simple as what you see as “light green” you assume everyone else has the same calibration as you! Well they don’t.

Let’s explore six key characteristics of cognitive filters, each with its two extremes and how they can enhance your interactions.

This is just a quick overview and no one person may be at either of the extremes, they may be along a spectrum, but the extremes are usually where confusion between two parties takes place.

1. Towards vs. Away From

• Towards: Motivated by goals and rewards. You’re driven by what you want to achieve.

• Away From: Motivated by avoiding pain and problems. You focus on what you want to avoid.

Example: When discussing a project, someone with a “towards” orientation will be excited about the benefits and successes, while an “away from” person will be concerned with potential pitfalls.

2. Internal vs. External Frame of Reference

• Internal: You rely on your own standards and judgments.

• External: You seek validation and feedback from others.

Example: In performance reviews, an internally referenced person values self-assessment, whereas an externally referenced person needs feedback and approval from others.

3. General vs. Specific

• General: You see the big picture and prefer broad concepts.

• Specific: You focus on details and precise information.

Example: When planning a project, a general thinker will outline the overall strategy, while a specific thinker will break down each step meticulously.

4. Matching vs. Mismatching

• Matching: You look for similarities and agree with others.

• Mismatching: You identify differences and are critical.

Example: In ideation sessions, matchers build on ideas, whereas mismatchers challenge and find flaws to improve them.

5. Options vs. Procedures

• Options: You prefer choices and flexibility.

• Procedures: You follow set processes and routines.

Example: In a workplace, an options-oriented person will seek innovative ways to solve problems, while a procedures-oriented person will stick to tried-and-true methods.

6. Proactive vs. Reactive

• Proactive: You take initiative and anticipate future needs.

• Reactive: You respond to situations as they arise.

Example: In crisis management, a proactive individual plans ahead to prevent issues, whereas a reactive person deals with problems as they occur.

I cannot stress enough, there is no right or wrong end to be at with the filters, we just are what we are.

But when you aware of this not only does it help communication and understanding, but it might also help you select the most appropriate team for a given challenge.

Cognitive Filters in Action

Understanding these cognitive filters can transform your communication.

Here’s how:

• Adapting Your Style: If you’re working with someone detail-oriented (specific), provide thorough information.

If they’re big-picture thinkers (general), focus on the overarching goals.

• Motivating Others: Know whether someone is driven by achieving success (towards) or avoiding failure (away from) to tailor your motivational strategies.

• Building Rapport: Match your communication style to others’ preferences. With internally referenced individuals, encourage self-reflection. With externally referenced people, offer regular feedback.

Summary

Cognitive filters are the hidden drivers of our thoughts and actions.

By recognising and adapting to these filters, you can enhance your communication, improve relationships and achieve better outcomes.

Ready to put these insights into practice?

How will cognitive filters awareness revolutionise your communication strategies?

See you next week for more insights and practical techniques.

See you next week. One more thought 👇

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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, really hope this helped. Contact me if you think I can help you further at [email protected].

Happy thinking.