5 Ways To Misunderstand The Phrase Per Our Discussion

Have you ever left a meeting feeling like you've agreed on something, only to find out later that your conversation partners had a very different understanding of the outcome? The phrase "per our discussion" can sometimes lead to such mix-ups. Here’s a look into five common ways people tend to misunderstand this seemingly straightforward expression:

Misunderstanding #1: The Scope of What Was Discussed

Per our discussion could mean different things to different people. What was actually discussed is critical.

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• Overestimation: One participant might think that every detail was covered thoroughly, leading to assumptions that all points are agreed upon.

• Underestimation: Conversely, another might think that only the surface was scratched, leaving many aspects open for interpretation or further negotiation.

• Vague Agreements: Sometimes, people agree to "discuss further" without setting clear action items, leading to confusion about what was actually agreed upon.

<p class="pro-note">📋 Note: To mitigate this, always summarize key points at the end of your meetings.</p>

Misunderstanding #2: The Context of the Discussion

The when, where, and how of a discussion can influence how "per our discussion" is interpreted:

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• Formal vs. Informal: An informal chat in a hallway might not carry the same weight as a formal meeting, leading to different expectations.

• Length and Depth: A brief encounter might leave participants with partial information, thus distorting what was agreed upon.

• Communication Medium: Misunderstandings can occur when discussions happen through email, phone, or in-person. Face-to-face might convey tone and intent more clearly.

Misunderstanding #3: The Actionable Items

People often assume that "per our discussion" means decisions were made and action items assigned:

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• Incomplete Action Plans: Without explicitly stating next steps, participants might assume tasks were assigned when they were not.

• Vague Instructions: Open-ended or overly broad instructions can leave attendees guessing what to do next.

• Forgotten Follow-Ups: Agreements without follow-ups can lead to one party waiting for an update that never comes.

<p class="pro-note">📅 Note: Ensure all action items are clear, assigned, and documented to avoid confusion.</p>

Misunderstanding #4: The Level of Agreement

Even when everyone has left the discussion with what they perceive as an understanding, the degree of agreement can vary:

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• Consensus: A common assumption is that everyone is fully on board with the discussed topics, which might not be the case.

• Reservations: Some might harbor reservations but agree to move forward hoping for future amendments.

• Misinterpretation: One participant might think an idea was fully endorsed when others are still waiting for more discussion.

Misunderstanding #5: The Timing of the "Per Our Discussion"

The "when" of when something was supposed to happen according to the discussion can cause confusion:

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• Immediate Action vs. Later Follow-up: Assuming something should be acted upon immediately can lead to rushed, ill-prepared decisions.

• Deadline Misinterpretation: Without clear deadlines, participants might have differing ideas about when action needs to be taken.

• Forgotten Timeline: Over time, the timing agreed upon in the discussion might be forgotten, leading to delays or missteps.

In conclusion, the phrase "per our discussion" can be the source of several misunderstandings unless participants take deliberate steps to clarify scope, context, action items, the level of agreement, and the timing. By ensuring clarity, follow-up, and explicit documentation, teams can avoid costly misinterpretations that could derail projects, strain relationships, and lead to wasted efforts.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I clarify discussions to avoid misunderstandings?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Summarize key points, action items, and next steps at the end of the meeting. Document these points in an email follow-up.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if there's disagreement on what was discussed?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Call for an immediate follow-up meeting or send an email to clarify misunderstandings, ensuring everyone is on the same page before moving forward.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can "per our discussion" lead to legal issues?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If contracts or agreements are based on "per our discussion," it can indeed lead to legal disputes. Documenting discussions in writing can prevent this.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>