Removing Communication Barriers...

How do Physical environmental barriers affect the communication process?

 

Most of us wonder how the relationships are messed up because our message does not reach the receiver properly. After that, we have to explain and clarify our position to resolve the conflicts. Have we ever thought of working on removing the barriers first can help us avoid the conflicts? 

 

What are the physical barriers in communication and what are the ways to overcome them:

  

 

Environment: This can be termed as the environment at the workplace, and outside the workplace. The workplace environment can include the psychological and emotional environment, which can be affected by the emotional bond among the team members. Do they trust each other, like each other, have confidence in each other, and respect each other or not? if they do the communication will be open, healthy, and clear. Now imagine just the opposite, the communication will be poor, rare, and always tensed. Now, let us talk about the physical environment if there is too much noise, chaos, the communication won't be smooth. It will create misunderstandings. That's why official meetings are always conducted in calm and silent spaces like conference rooms etc.

Distance: Here it implies physical distance. This is the reason why one must have observed that the plant layout is always in a specific way, the tool room, first aid, stores, and spares are near the shop floor. The top management is on the same floor and the cabins of associates and secretarial staff are nearby. This helps to connect physically either by walking up to the other person or through intercoms etc. These days this barrier lost much of significance due to internet connectivity, yet it has to be considered where physical mobilization is a must.

Mode of communication: How do you communicate is equally important as what and why do you communicate. These days when we are communicating through the web for eg on zoom calls, skype, mobile phones, it is important to ensure these mediums have seamless connectivity.

Ultimately one should remember the following to have a smooth communication:

 

Choose a quiet place to communicate.

Choose an easy and clear language to communicate, avoid jargon.

Be a good listener.

Don't be judgemental or prejudiced.

Be calm and composed while communicating. Think and speak.

Communication is a tricky business, if handled well, it can create great synergy and collaboration. But if it is messed up, it can turn relationships into a disaster.