Eight Solutions to Common Communication Problems
Communicating clearly with colleagues and customers is critical to an
efficient, profitable business. Here are some common communication problems
and how to solve them:
- Criticism. Nothing stops communication faster than one person criticizing
another. The barriers between the two people go up immediately as a defense
mechanism. Instead of criticizing people, discuss the issue with them to see
if you can determine a resolution.
- Talking too fast. If other people have to work to keep up with what
you're saying, your message won't get across to them. Practice varying your
speech pattern as way to keep the other person interested an open to what
you have to say.
- Verbal "blasting." When you're verbal blasting, you're talking all the
time and the other person doesn't get a chance to get a word in edgewise.
Monitor yourself to make sure the person you're communicating with is saying
just as much as you. If not, use open-ended questions to draw them out.
- Little white lies. This can be a communication stopper because it's an
energy drain. You're focused on the white lie instead of on communicating
with the other person. Tell the truth, regardless of the consequences.
- Elevated stress levels. If you are experiencing stress, burnout or
adrenaline, you probably won't be a good communicator. Find ways to stop
this outflow of energy by taking care of yourself. Also, postpone important
discussions until your energy is focused in the right direction.
- The need to be right. Effective communication requires that you connect
with people at their level so that you can build a relationship with them.
Learn to be more open-minded to others' points of view. Also, try making
suggestions instead of demands of people to try to get them to do something
your way.
- Withholding information. Sometimes we hold back important pieces of
communication as a way to control someone or to maintain our power. It
doesn't work because when you withhold, you are keeping information that
needs to be said in order to build a true, sincere relationship with
another. Say what needs to be said. If it's difficult information to convey
or for the other person to hear, discuss it in private and with a neutral
tone of voice.
- Being too needy. People can pick up on this and will hesitate to
communicate with you. Take care of your needs, so others will feel
comfortable talking with you.
-- From www.lindatalley.com
