Communication problems in the workplace can have a negative impact on morale, productivity and interdepartmental working relationships. When left unchecked, ongoing communication problems can potentially cut into profits, increase turnover and lead to mistakes that negatively impact the company’s public image. Recognizing and addressing common issues can smooth over problems before they get out of hand. Watch for common workplace communication problems and resolve them quickly.
Common Communication Problems
- Failure to communicate fully
- Assuming someone else has the ball
- Failure to self edit
- Being unprepared
- Using the wrong communications tool
- Saying too much
People in general make the assumption that communications is simple when in reality if you are not taught how to communicate properly, it is 100% certain that the communicator will be misunderstood...
Let me try to paint an example of what I am saying...
1. Person A makes a comment to person B
2. there is a 50/50 chance that communications are perfect
3. Person B communicates to person C
4. 50% chance of understanding (B) times another 50% chance of understanding (C)
5. the result is .50 X .50 = .25
6. or a 25% chance that person C understands what person A was trying to communicate
7. now person C communicates to person D
8. 25% chance of understanding (C) times 50% chance of understanding (D)
9. the result is .25 x .50 = ,125
10. or there is a 12.5% chance that person D understands what Person A was trying to communicate.
NOTE: From the very beginning there is a problem with my communications example because everyone made the assumption that communicating was not a problem... everyone knows how to talk.
If you are married, you also understand how difficult it is sometimes when talking to your spouse, as what you thought you said clearly was still misunderstood... and, if the issue is pushed then a huge argument follows pissing off both spouses to the point that they go into separate room and stop communication altogether.
These actions are extremely detrimental to a marriage and they are devastating to a company.
