Social perceptiveness can be described as having an understanding of other’s verbal and non verbal behaviour and actions. This can include having to interpret a combination of what they are saying as well as their tone of voice, body language, gestures and facial expressions. Being socially perceptive is important in all social settings, including the workplace.
People with a cognitive impairment such as an acquired brain injury, autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability may experience difficulties interpreting others, as a direct result of the disability or disorder. Particular examples include:
- how to recognise and respond to sarcasm or banter as they may take what is said very literally
- how to interpret and respond to nonverbal communication/cues if they have poor visual perception of facial and body language
Many people may not be aware of their lack of social perceptiveness and how it potentially impact on relationships and interactions with others at work. For example, they may not be able to recognise when a co-worker is stressed and may ask for assistance at a bad time. Social perceptiveness can be improved with the provision of relevant strategies and support. However, it is important to recognise and respect that people have the right not to change their behaviour, even when they are made aware of the difficulties it causes in the workplace.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
There are a number of strategies and support services available to assist in promoting social perceptiveness within the workplace:
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role play or demonstrate appropriate responses in various workplace scenarios, then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate feedback (appointing a mentor for this purpose may be effective)
- praise behaviours which demonstrate improvements in social perceptiveness such as a simple 'well done' for recognising when not to interrupt a co-worker
- offer rewards for positive behaviour changes in order to maintain motivation levels.
(Brain Injury Association of Queensland 2007; Morris 2008)
Support services
A trained psychologist or counsellor may be able to assist workers with the development of social perceptiveness such as increasing understanding of body language. Relevant support is available via the following links:
Lastly, specialist employment agencies who provide coaching and support on-the-job for people with disability may also be able to assist in this area (please note that the link will open an external web site in a new page):
References:
Morris, B, K. 2008, Education and Communication, www.autism-help.org, Brisbane, viewed 5 June 2009, http://www.autism-help.org/communication-aspergers-autism.htm.
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Social Skills Deficits – Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/psychological/social-skills-deficits---fact-sheet.html>.