How to Overcome Communication Barriers in the Workplace

COMMUNICATION

BARRIERS HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

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Different types of communication barriers, like

language, cultural and interpersonal barriers,

can be overcome or mediated; however, we shouldn’t

assume

responsibility

to

that

it's

seamlessly

the

employee's

adapt

to

the

workplace. It requires the organizations’ efforts to help the individuals break down these barriers.

1. Run meetings to expose your employees to other cultures Introducing

employees

together

in

a

term.

peaceful

who

will

non-threatening

be

working

environment

enables a good working relationship for the long A

environment

will

promote

learning about each other’s cultures, languages, rules,

and

norms

for

establishing

better

communication. It also helps prepare employees

to deal with cross-cultural challenges as they arise. Changing preconceptions can lead to more conducive working relationships.

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2. Conduct activities to demonstrate how dependent we are on language

For example, dedicate a day to being silent.

Have each employee develop a contract stating what they hope to learn, how long they will

remain silent (what exceptions can be made) and how they plan to cope without speaking all day.

After

experiencing

a

day

with

limited

communication, participants can typically relate to being in a foreign environment more easily.

3. Provide workshops, tips and techniques for communicating effectively in crosscultural work environments

People act according to the values of their own culture.

Others

from

another

culture

might

active

listening

(paraphrasing

interpret behavior differently. Practicing such strategies

as

what is said to ensure understanding can be achieved)

and

using

multiple

forms

of

communication, such as written, audio & visual,

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can enhance employee involvement in assuring

that conflicts do not arise because of cultural misunderstandings due to lack of awareness.

4. Coach employees to mediate conflicts related to cultural misunderstandings

Provide opportunities for employees to respond

to situations from viewpoints different than their own. Divide a group of people into pairs to conduct

role-playing

exercises

that

allow

participants to acknowledge cultural differences exist. Encourage each pair to think about a

conflict they have experienced recently due to cultural

describe

differences. what

they

Have

might

each

find

participant

offensive

or

unusual. Let each participant suggest how the problem would be handled in their own culture.

Together,

have

the

participants

develop

a

resolution to the problem. Have each pair report to the larger group on their experiences.

For more about this topic, download our latest book "Cultural and Language Barriers of Communication in the Workplace" for FREE.

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