Overcoming Obstacles to Effective Communications in the Workplace

A

Aaron Lupo

#1
An interesting topic came up at work and I would love to hear what you have to say on this.

What do you think are some obstacles to effective communication in the work place and how can they be overcome?
· Poorly written letters or memos that do not convey the message
· Poor grammar, not using words properly.
· Spelling and punctuation errors.
· Not listening to what is being asked or trying to answer the question without hearing what is being said.
· Poor verbal communication.


What are some of your personal obstacles and how did you overcome them and become successful?
· Writing to fast, not rereading what I have written.
· Trying to answer the question without listening.
 
Elsmar Forum Sponsor

GStough

Staff member
Super Moderator
#2
Re: Communications in the Workplace

:2cents:
In addition to the lists above, another thing that comes to mind is how some people don't want to speak up for whatever reason(s), such as:
- fear of being ridiculed,
- having their ideas shot down,
- intimidated because they think their ideas aren't "good enough", or
- fear of what others might think of them if they were to say anything.

I think that many good ideas/suggestions will never be heard because of these concerns.

(My apologies if this may not apply exactly to obstacles of communication in the workplace, but perhaps it is appropriate for communication obstacles in general.)
 

CarolX

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#3
What do you think are some obstacles to effective communication in the work place?
Some of the challanges we face

Language differences - we are an bi-lingual shop (English/Spanish).
Education Levels
Acceptable verbage (acceptable here to use cuss words in written communication)

Just the first few that come to mind -
 
A

Aaron Lupo

#4
Re: Communications in the Workplace

:2cents:
In addition to the lists above, another thing that comes to mind is how some people don't want to speak up for whatever reason(s), such as:
- fear of being ridiculed,
- having their ideas shot down,
- intimidated because they think their ideas aren't "good enough", or
- fear of what others might think of them if they were to say anything.

I think that many good ideas/suggestions will never be heard because of these concerns.

(My apologies if this may not apply exactly to obstacles of communication in the workplace, but perhaps it is appropriate for communication obstacles in general.)
Those are excellent points. I have been in meeting many times where you could tell a co-worker was afraid to say anything. I try to involve them as much as possible so they do feel comfortable speaking up.
 
B

Benjamin28

#6
I'd say one area that inhibits good communication in the workplace would be personal relationships....i.e. operator John Bob doesn't like supervisor Megan Right all that much and therefore avoids conversing with her.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#7
Wow, where could one start. The choices are nearly limitless.

We have a manger that should have probably taught english:rolleyes: He will jump all over someone for asking "where are you at?" I personally hate when people use the word to (as in going to) instead of the work too (as in also). Pet peeve.

Then there are regional dialects. A roll in the midwest will get you a cinnamon, or other sweet, breakfast pastry. Here it will get you a dinner roll. Some places it will get you something akin to a hamburger bun.

Ethnic speak. This can be even more difficult when you combine it with a regional dialect.

And of course, the ones listed previously. You also have to consider along with the education levels, there are many people who are highly educated that choose to speak in a less educated manner. Some for fear of appearing to "put on airs", some out of some misguided sense of guilt, some out of laziness, etc. And conversely, those who try to speak far above their knowledge level. These can be the worst, as they will use words that sound similar to what they want to convey, but may have a totally different meaning. "I received a condemnation from my supervisor." :mg:

Most of what I see as a barrier to effective communication is either a total lack of empathy to the audience and their concerns, or lack of knowledge of the subject matter and trying to make up for it by sounding important.
 

SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#8
me again, sorry. This is pretty timely for me. I had a conversation with one of our employees. She had been researching a corrective action request, trying to come up with some "data" to look at to help come up with things to look at in finding a cause. She talked to another supervisor, who told her that there were x, y and z customer complaints and all were the same industry/grade/end use, so she should look into the grade as possibly being a cause.

So, we all get together for our weekly core meeting and Supervisor A outlines what her project is, what the status is, and some of the things she is looking into to help her find the cause. Supervisor B interrupts (the guy that told her to look into these same things) and says, you really cannot go by the 3 customer complaints we have had in the past year. They are so infrequent and the customer is only seeing this defect because he strips the product, that you cannot gain any statistically valid information.

Supervisor B is what I would call a corporate bully. He gives people information, claiming that it will help them complete what they are working on. Then, whenever there is public focus on it, he will dispute all validity. He does this to young (new college grads) employees who seem to have some ability, and he especially does this to the women at our same supervisory level.

OK, this is getting long, but it is an example of deliberate miscommunication to make others look "stupid", or "bad", in order to make himself look "smart, or good." Unfortunately, I think that most of us know now what he is doing. Hence, he has very little believability, and it is sad, because there are some things that he could truly teach some of us.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#9
Senior management speaks a foriegn language, and communicating
mostly between each other.
Disregarding e-mails sent in English requesting information.
Let me encourage everyone to not flippantly skip over Ralph's post. It is extremely important to consider that even within the same plant, each of us utilize different metrics, and we have our language. As I try to repeatedly suggest in posts about people proposing quality initiatives to management, you must speak their language. My Law of the Plumber: Plumbers see everything in life in terms of pipes and fittings.

Too, if you have never read Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus, it would probably be worth a read. Simply: people are different. Effective communication takes times. Sometimes, you might find yourself repeating things. Don't forget about non-verbal communication. It's up there at about 70-90% here in America, depending on who did the study.

Mainly, effective communication is work. Be willing to take the time to work at it, and make sure you are understood. But..... as a paraphrase of Covey:

Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#10
OK, this is getting long, but it is an example of deliberate miscommunication to make others look "stupid", or "bad", in order to make himself look "smart, or good." Unfortunately, I think that most of us know now what he is doing. Hence, he has very little believability, and it is sad, because there are some things that he could truly teach some of us.
You made some excellent points. To me, this plays into my non-verbal comments. People read people; not just what they say. I realize there are some cultural issues, but in professional/organization situations, I like to look people in their eyes, and for them to do the same. I want them to see I am sincere, and that I care about what I do.
 
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
L Overcoming Management Misunderstanding - QMS not fully functioning AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 2
D How to Overcome Obstacles to Work Quality Manager and Management Related Issues 4
Y The 3 Biggest Obstacles You Faced when you start to apply improvement projects Six Sigma 24
M AS9100 Getting Started - What time frame /cost / major obstacles can we expect AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 5
A PRRC effective role and activities EU Medical Device Regulations 1
T How you ensure that QMS is effective and efficient? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 6
S Effective nonconforming process for AS9100 8.7 AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 6
M Informational TGA presentation: How to submit an effective good manufacturing practice clearance application Medical Device and FDA Regulations and Standards News 0
N Validation procedure, Major NC CAP - Equipment Validation process is not effective ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 5
A Cost effective thread gaging with ISO 9001 ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 2
S Root cause analysis - The system of developing a work instruction is not effective Problem Solving, Root Cause Fault and Failure Analysis 1
T Effective Date on Documents 21 CFR Part 820 - US FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) 12
qualprod Effective Auditing advice needed ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 16
Q Simple and effective way to maintain Training Matrix ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 16
J If Corrective and Preventive Action were truly Effective IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3
qualprod Risk closeout , mitigation was not effective, next? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 12
J Specific Actions where Timely and/or Effective Actions are not Achieved Nonconformance and Corrective Action 6
Q Predating Document Effective Date Other Medical Device and Orthopedic Related Topics 18
P Thai FDA postpone AMDD to be effective in 2020 Other Medical Device Regulations World-Wide 1
S Sell a Non-RoHS device, manufactured before RoHs regulations became effective? EU Medical Device Regulations 2
J What does "effective implementation of quality management system" mean? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 7
N What does an effective design process look like? (shoots flare in the air) Design and Development of Products and Processes 2
M Corrective Action - For a corrective action to be effective, a change is required? Nonconformance and Corrective Action 5
R 5.4.1 Quality Objectives - Nonconformity: The process was not fully effective ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 36
R Training to Effective Documents - Transitioning to Agile Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 5
R Good Supply Practices that will be effective on March 1 2015 in China China Medical Device Regulations 2
K IATF has posted new GM Customer Specifics, effective January 2015 Customer and Company Specific Requirements 5
B Medical Device Labeling - Order No. 6 Effective Oct 01, 2014 China Medical Device Regulations 7
R CFDA updated five regulations to be effective from October 1, 2014 China Medical Device Regulations 16
T Qualification System of Internal Auditors is not Effective General Auditing Discussions 5
A A Guide to Effective Internal Management System Audits Book, Video, Blog and Web Site Reviews and Recommendations 2
D Effective Date of updated SOP Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 3
A Effective Date (of Documents) issue outlined in 21 CFR Part 820.4 21 CFR Part 820 - US FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) 11
P Effective way for DC/DC conversion for 2 MOPP @ 250VAC IEC 60601 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standards Series 3
J Want best and effective solution for mouth infection Coffee Break and Water Cooler Discussions 11
S New FAA Form 8130-3 Effective 2/1/14 - Unlocked version attached Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Standards and Requirements 3
P Effective Road Usage Coffee Break and Water Cooler Discussions 9
H How to make the Design Review Process Effective Design and Development of Products and Processes 1
Q Effective 1st Piece Inspection Sign Off Procedure Quality Manager and Management Related Issues 8
QMMike What is the most cost effective SPC software Statistical Analysis Tools, Techniques and SPC 5
Y Delivering an effective and all inclusive EHS program in a Food company Food Safety - ISO 22000, HACCP (21 CFR 120) 2
F Suggestions for quick & effective solution for Continuous Improvement Requirements ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 14
T Very effective movie about clean-up - Tool for 5S Training Lean in Manufacturing and Service Industries 4
M AS 9100 4.2.4 Process for making changes to records is not fully effective Quality Manager and Management Related Issues 4
Q Process Approach & Continual Improvement Clauses and Evidence of its Effective Use ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 9
M 8.2.2 Internal Audit - Determination of Effective Implementation IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 4
L Audit NC - Lack of Effective Corrective Action Process ISO 13485:2016 - Medical Device Quality Management Systems 4
P Which Root Cause Analysis Method is the most Effective? Quality Tools, Improvement and Analysis 16
J Cost Effective Solution for Isolating USB 5V 500mA Power IEC 60601 - Medical Electrical Equipment Safety Standards Series 2
Q Are ECO's closed after they are shown to be Effective? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 9

Similar threads

Top Bottom