When it comes to communication, the obstacles are many. Twopearls of wisdom to think about when we converse; First, do yourealize that every conversation we have is actually an argument?Regardless of the topic, when we speak we’re trying to get theother person to agree with our point of view on the topic. Payattention during the course of a day’s conversation and see if youagree. Secondly, every time we use the word “but†in a sentence,everything before it was a lie. Again, pay attention to yourconversations, and what people are saying to you! Bet you conversea bit differently moving forward.
And since language is the prime topic for this instance, let'stake yet another fact in Critical Thinking. this week focused onlanguage. Remember, draw from what you're about to watch for thediscussion!
And to this end, below are a number of scenarios that hampercommunication. What would you do to solve each?
#1. Failure to Listen
The inability to listen is a huge problem. Often you will seeco-workers interrupting speakers or planning what they will saynext instead of effectively listening. Other distractions are whenteam members roll their eyes at comments or just discount theirworker’s premise; and still others just forget to pay attention,they are too distracted or have a short attention span. Obviouslythese all reflect on their failure to listen.
#2. Culture Differences
The office has become a melting pot stocked with people ofdiverse backgrounds and cultural customs. People tend to “hang\"with others familiar to their culture or habits. When theseindividual groups assemble, managers face the challenges of smallgroup dynamics and team communication issues.
#3. Attitude & Ego
Too often teamwork stops because of someone’s ego. They refuseto admit they might be part of the problem. Conflicts also arisebecause of inequity, and rather than make the situation more equal,someone becomes defensive instead of taking responsibility.
#4. Focus or Listening Problems
Inability of employees to interpret the information or provideadequate focus leads to team communication issues. The gap in age,the hole left by a boomer generation retiring, and other societalweaknesses make this communication barrier very real.
#5. Cliques, Groups and Friendships
A tight and exclusive grouping of individuals who bond togetherfor one reason or another can be problematic if they are notobjective.
