STRATEGIC communication should be part of every organisation and be married with the organisational strategy.
However, most companies relegate communication to interns or to the public relations officers who have no part in the decision-making process. Communication is part of our everyday life.
Every strategy, tactic and proposal should be communicated at every level. Communication must be the substrata of every progressive and result-oriented organisation.
In the corporate world, effective communication is the cornerstone of success.
However, barriers can hinder the flow of information, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. This article looks at things we fail on especially as leaders.
Misconstrued emotions
One cause of conflicts in most communication is the inability to understand and empathise with others. We work with human beings who think differently and who have emotions. Remember we are personalities with differences hence the need for emotional intelligence. First, if you can’t understand your own emotions or feelings there are high chances you will not properly manage them.
Worse still, if you cannot understand other people’s emotions, you are prone to poor social management. So, to overcome this barrier companies must train their employees on emotional intelligence.
- Barriers to effective corporate communication
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Lack cultural intelligence
Companies operate in an environment that is interconnected globally. So in this globalised business environment, cultural differences can be a barrier. Diverse customs, traditions and social norms can affect communication styles and preferences. This takes cultural intelligence. Being culturally sensitive and aware is essential in overcoming these barriers and fostering an inclusive communication climate.
Semantic problems
Semantics is the study of the meaning of words. The lack of understanding can pose a significant barrier. The same word may have different meanings to different people or contexts leading to confusion. We have a tendency to apply industry jargon or technical terms which are not easily understood by workers. So, as a communicator, the leader ensures clarity and common understanding.
Hierarchical clogs
One barrier to effective communication is the organisational structure. If we have leaders that do not demand effective feedback from every worker, communication is stalled, worse still if we have leaders that want to exercise their positional authority. Information may get filtered or altered as it moves up or down the ranks, causing the original message to lose its meaning.
Organisational structures create hierarchical barriers which come through threats and fear from leaders or management or general corporate culture. The status of individuals within a company can create psychological barriers. Subordinates may hesitate to share their ideas or concerns with superiors due to fear of criticism or repercussions, leading to a lack of open dialogue and innovation. So, there is a need to work on building a positive culture within an organisation that encourages a positive atmosphere.
Absence of feedback loop
Feedback is essential and must be encouraged. Good feedback is great for ideation. Every organisation must be innovative and evolve. Without feedback, the company can simply frizzle into obscurity. Without good feedback, senders cannot confirm that their message was properly decrypted or understood as intended. The absence of feedback loops can lead to a one-way communication street, where misunderstandings or conflicts go unaddressed and opportunities for improvement are missed.
Improper channels
Every communication message goes through a channel. Choosing the wrong channel for communication can lead to ineffective exchanges or meaning. For example, some messages may not be suitable for email and require face-to-face meetings so that both parties can fully understand. Remember, the science of signs or semiotics cannot be expressed in an email. At times we need to have a feel or emotions as members exchange words; joy, anger and frustration. So, understanding the strengths and limitations of each communication channel is vital for conveying messages effectively.
Physical distractions
There is one bank which I visited recently which had bad lighting. That alone is a barrier to communication. The colour of other people’s clothes or skin tones is blurred and that leads to serious discomfort. The physical environment can be full of distractions that impede communication. Noise, poor lighting and uncomfortable seating can distract participants, leading to a lack of focus and reduced comprehension of the message being communicated. This can be taken for granted, but it is very important. Have you not wondered why night spots change their interior lighting? Lighting carries a mood or an ambiance to express specific feelings or emotions.
Parting point
Effective communication must be trained in organisations. To build a positive culture or openness and innovation, every team member must learn to communicate effectively. Most companies suffer these barriers and it is incumbent upon leaders to address them. By actively working to overcome these obstacles, companies can enhance their internal dynamics, leading to improved performance and a more harmonious workplace environment.
Jonah Nyoni is an author, speaker, and leadership trainer. He can be contacted on X @jonahnyoni. WhatsApp: +263 772 581 918
