Communication is essential for the smooth running of any organization. However, most workplaces still struggle with communication, leading to misinterpretation and lack of unity among the various teams in the office.

It becomes even challenging since the workplace is a melting pot of cultures and personalities. Read on to find out the causes of poor communication in the workplace and what you can do to foster effective communication within the organization.

Why is Communication Difficult in Office Settings?

Relationships outside the office can be very different from those within. When you understand why this happens, it becomes easy to find solutions and keep productive conversations going at work. So why is it difficult for colleagues to communicate in an office setting? Below are a few factors that contribute to poor communication in the workplace.

Lack of Open Feedback

Some companies have leadership systems that tend to be rigid and intimidating, promoting top-down communication while suppression feedback from the junior staff. As such, employees are unable to share their feedback openly. When managers don’t involve employees in important discussions or ask for their opinions and ideas before taking major decisions, employees feel undervalued. They then become unwilling to share their feedback, discuss their challenges or voice their opinions.

Virtual Offices

Technology has presented an opportunity for remote working. Employees can now work from wherever they are without having to constantly be physically in touch. This can cause detachment from the rest of the team and strain communication.

Attitude and Ego

Some people like to think they are always right and are unwilling to accept direction or suggestions from others. Negative attitude towards work and employees also discourages communication as one feels no motivation to put in the effort. When a worker has an ego or poor attitude, criticism or honest feedback is unwelcome. This jeopardizes communication and strains relationships

Inadequate Training

Sometimes, poor communication is as a result of inadequate training. This covers employee duties and responsibilities as well as how various departments in the organization work. If you aren’t well versed about all the important aspects of your workplace, you’ll end up relaying incorrect information which may result in discord both with your colleagues and your employer.

How Workers Can Improve their Communication Even with Different Personalities

Personalities vary a lot, and there can be as different as 16 personality types as per Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator. While personality traits may make communication easy for some and harder for others, good communication skills can be learned and developed. Here are some of the ways that workers can use to improve communication while at work.

Attitude change: As an employer, you should strive to be accommodative of every individual in the office and ensure that your attitude or ego doesn’t come in the way of reason. Learn to own up to mistakes, give your team members equal respect and accept feedback whether positive or negative. Where poor communication is as a result of ego and attitude, it can only be resolved with behavioral change.

Communication skills training: Enrolling in communication classes is a sure way to improve the team’s communication skills. Anyone can become an excellent communicator regardless of their personality. Taking a class will help everyone learn key communication concepts and develop listening skills which will improve their effectiveness. You can also get involved in group communication exercises to help workers become better communicators.

Team Building: Team building exercises that encourage teamwork are a great way for employees to interact freely and have fun. By engaging in team-building exercises once in a while, you get to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere and appreciate diversity. This way, you bond with your colleagues and break communication barriers that may have existed before.

Pay attention to how others communicate: Some people are good with written communication, while others prefer verbal face-to-face communication. Try to understand your colleagues’ communication styles so you can relay your message effectively. Also, be attentive to non-verbal cues as they can make or break communication. Maintaining eye contact and receptive body language will encourage conversation in the workplace.

Importance of Professional Development Training in Improving Communication at Work

Professional training can be in the form of seminars and classes for a short period of time. There are a variety of options to choose, from communication management classes to work-related training that targets individual career paths.

Professional development training plays a vital role in boosting workplace communication by equipping individuals with fundamental communication skills. This encompasses everything ranging from verbal communication to written and presentation skills.

With professional development training, workers become well versed with their lines of work thus increasing confidence and motivation. There’s less need for negative criticism and constantly asking for directions as instructions are easy to understand. Improved morale encourages employees to work together in order to achieve organizational goals.

Is Your Workplace in Need of Communication Training?

Understanding how to communicate with different personality types in the office is crucial in achieving the effective sharing of information. This, in turn, results in seamless coordination and a clear understanding of objectives, leading to good working relationships and productivity.

For more information on professional development training, contact Infotec today!