How Managers Can Overcome 3 Systemic Barriers to Effective Communication
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Transcript of How Managers Can Overcome 3 Systemic Barriers to Effective Communication
Debbie Narver, BSc MBA MScIBStrategic Management Instructor at NMC Strategic Manager
How Managers Can Overcome 3 Systemic Barriers
to Effective Communication
Why is it difficult to have effective communication in the workplace?
It seems to be a common complaint in all types and sizes of organizations - even when we are making the effort.
Short Term Technical versus Systemic Barriers
I will introduce both, but focus more on the latter:
What long standing, and perhaps unconscious barriers might be impacting communication in your organization?
And how can you overcome them?
How much communication do we need?
Even when we believe we are doing extensive communication, some may think it’s not enough.
While others may think it’s too much. Information overload!
So it’s not so much about the amount, but rather having EFFECTIVE communication in the workplace.
Factors that influences effectiveness
•Quality and clarity of the message
•Quality and suitability of the delivery medium
• Receptiveness and ability of the recipient to process information
Receptiveness can be influenced by the recipients learning style
People learn differently. Verbal, visual, written, demonstrated….. We each comprehend and absorb messages differently based on alignment with our preferred style.
Complexity and stress can make communication more difficult
Constant change
Hierarchies, distance between departments
Distributed workforce
“missing links” in communication channels
Information overload
Competing priorities (distractions)
Systemic Barriers to Communication
• Beyond these technical issues with communication, there are potentially barriers within your organization.
• These can be based on historic practices and embedded in culture
• Because it’s always been this way, you may not be aware!
Here’s what I
believe are 3 major
systemic barriers to
effective
communication,
and what managers
can do to overcome
them.
Barrier #1: Focusing on one-way (my way!)
Communication involves both a sender and a receiver.
As the sender, we may focus on what we want from others.
We carefully craft our message, send it out and expect results.
But how do we know that it has been properly received and understood?
Solution #1: Two way communication
• Incorporate methods for feedback from the receiver.
• Confirm that the message was understood.
• Allow for questions and clarification.
• You may learn something new and valuable!
In a perfect world, you all sit around
the table in a quiet room.
But in reality, most workplaces have physical
challenges that can impact communication. • Do you have a noisy machines?
• Are there visual distractions?
• Does your audience need to keep their attention on
tasks while simultaneously listening to you talk?
Solution #2: Plan different approaches for different needs and situations
Use a variety different communication tools and channels to get your message across effectively.
And chances are, you may need to use different approaches with different groups.
Barrier #3: A History of “closed” culture
• To encourage meaningful communication, we need to invite open & honest dialogue between all levels.
• Employees need to feel that their input is valued.
• If there has been a history of people being labelled as “trouble makers” for bringing up difficult issues, chances are that employees will keep concerns to themselves, perhaps festering and affecting morale.
Solution #3: Building Trust
This is perhaps the most difficult and time consuming barrier to overcome. It requires a cultural shift to encourage diverse perspectives and expressing differences of opinion.
Implement Change: Set Goals, Plan and Monitor Results
Like any other change, improving communication takes good planning and implementation.
• Break down your goals
• Review frequently
• Adapt as you go