Barriers Create Misunderstanding

What’s on your to-do list for today? Imagine it includes…

  • Giving Jason his performance review.
  • Talking to the AP manager about complaints you’re getting from vendors who aren’t being paid on time.
  • Giving Winnie the information she needs for the RFP.
  • Convincing your boss that you need another analyst.

These kinds of activities all depend on communication skills. And when that’s the case, it means your to-do list is also filled with numerous opportunities for error and misinterpretation.

Communication is hard work. We often assume it’s a simple act of sending an email, leaving a voice message, or stopping by for a quick conversation. And yet our experience reminds us of all the times when things didn’t work out as expected because of a misunderstanding. Why? The simple answer, barriers.

Communcation Barriers

Whenever there is a difference between the message you intended to send and the one that was actually received, it was blocked or distorted by a barrier. There are plenty of them to be on the watch for. Any of these sound familiar in your recent interactions with coworkers?

  • You make assumptions about what the person intends.
  • Your bias about the message-sender clouds your understanding of the message.
  • Noise prevents you from hearing everything clearly, but you figure you have the “gist” of what the person wanted you to know.
  • You drift in and out of paying attention because you have other, more pressing matters, weighing on your mind.
  • The person accidentally pushes one of your hot buttons, and you fall deep into you own emotional reaction.
  • You just can’t find a reason to care, so don’t pay attention.

While these are just a few of the barriers that will derail your communication efforts, there are many others. To prevent misunderstanding and increase solid connections; it’s critical to do the following:

  • Be aware of the barriers that exist in any communication situation. Before sending a message ask yourself this simple question, “What might cause the other party to not understand what I intend?”
  • Take whatever action you can to eliminate or minimize those barriers which are within your control.
  • Never assume the message has been accurately received without confirming that to be the case. Check understanding using a back and forth process of feedback with the other party.

Communication is far more difficult than it appears. Recognizing that is an important first step towards becoming a more effective communicator.

By Tom LaForce

Tom LaForce owns LaForce Teamwork Services, a Minneapolis-based consulting company. He's on a mission to create better results through teamwork. He wrote Meeting Hero: Plan and Lead Engaging, Productive Meetings.