Did you ever spend time with someone and feel as though they weren’t there? You may have occupied the same room, but you just didn’t connect. Whether this is an isolated occurrence or the hallmark of that relationship, it could be a warning sign of trouble ahead. Unfortunately, broken relationships don’t happen in a vacuum. Many of us unknowingly erect communication barriers, making it difficult for relationships to thrive. The remedy is to identify barriers to effective communication and eliminate them.
Communication barriers don’t happen to us; they’re created by us. So as easy as it is for us to create them, we can tear them down. Do any of these folks or attitudes sound familiar?
Barriers to Effective Communication
Juggler. Some people are always multitasking. They do so much that you’re never really sure if they’re merely “hearing” you –– or actually listening to what you have to say.
Busy bee. Some folks rush from activity to activity with no time to spare. Good luck pinning them down for a civilized conversation.
Distracted. Some people can’t even spell focus, much less practice it. They look at their watch, shout instructions, or pick up the phone while they talk to you.
Daydreamer. Some folks may be physically present, yet their mind is clearly somewhere else. (Huh…did you say something?)
Hard shell. Some people are so guarded that you can’t expect more than a trivial conversation. You may know them for years and still call them an acquaintance.
Taskmaster. Some folks reduce you to an item on their to-do list. They call or visit you because they have to, not because they want to (and it shows).
Intolerant. Some people with personal bias or prejudice “shut down” when certain topics come up. If they don’t agree with your position, they may hear you, but they’re not really listening.
Game player. Some people make you feel like you’re playing Wheel of Fortune. They call you from their car and due to bad cell service, all you hear is every fourth word. I guess you’re expected to fill in the blanks.
Egotist. Some folks are so busy talking about themselves, they never even consider that you might have something to say. As George Bernard Shaw said, “The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech.”
The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that you have one. Are you getting the message? What will you do to improve your communication?
How Many Barriers to Effective Communication Did You Recognize?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
The Costs of Poor Communication
8 Communication Barriers in Business
May I Have a Word with You
Attention Leaders: We Need to Talk
Ways to Say You Care
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You’re right, we make choices in how we communicate. I hate to say that I recognized myself in the Juggler/Busy Bee definitions. 🙂 I’ve been choosing to slow down and connect more real-time with people in order to counteract those tendencies. I’ve even stopped chatting in social media rooms and taking time to have real telephone conversations with friends so as to minimize any distractions or urges to multitask.
Hi Beth
We’re all guilty of these barriers. They key is being willing to do something about them 🙂
In addition I believe every communication medium (text, social media, phone etc) has inherent strengths and weaknesses.
I wrote a post that addresses this issue. “Call Me…Maybe” Here’s the link if you’re interested.
https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/call-me-maybe/
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
I see some of the communication barriers all around me. I used to work for a daydreamer, frustrating. This is super interesting, thank you. Personally, it’s great to identify the barriers.
Thanks Mari. I’m glad you like it.
The first step in eliminating communication barriers is recognizing which ones are present in your organization.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
I have brought up an autistic young man who is 22 years now… He emotionally rejected his ASD diagnosis all the way through as he was a high functioning – used to love sciences and English languages. However 6 years ago he was completely immorally and unlawfully excluded by his school which destroyed him and his dream… even after so many years, i couldn’t get him be restored… I feel he is intolerant, inconfident on himself, from his point of view — he had tried his best to fit in so called “Normality” but in the end still was denied or defeated, what’s the point to “try and work hard “?… in short, i have been facing communication barriers with him — he wouldn’t honestly tell me what or how he spend his time on? even on tasks or things we agreed and he promised, he has never been able to kept his promises since school exclusion… I felt I have tried advices mentioned in your blogs, I still can’t get him open his heart to communicate easily with me, what’s your views? advices? thank you in advance for any response.
Hi Cindy
Although I understand your issue, I’m not qualified to provide you with an answer. Sorry.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank