Smash Team Communication Barriers

Teamwork depends on open, honest communication. But so many factors and outside influencers can get in the way. Here are some of the most common barriers to open communication, with tips for breaking them down:

• Fear of confrontation. From early childhood, most of us learn to avoid confrontation and seek harmony. That's not always possible at work.

To smash this barrier: Address issues and problems while they're still relatively minor; don't wait in hopes that they'll disappear, because they're more likely to escalate. That makes problems more difficult to overcome.

• Lack of support. If your team and organizational cultures don't encourage workers to confront tough situations, few will want to risk their jobs and personal comfort.

To smash this barrier: Discuss conflict techniques during team meetings. Create a written team policy, including guidelines, then offer training.

• Lack of information. Before you can speak your mind, you need to have all the facts. How easy is it for the average team member to gain information?

To smash this barrier: Keep information channels open to all. Train team members in basic business processes and teach them how to ask the right kinds of questions to gain information.

• Concern for consequences. It's tough to risk angering a co-worker or leader who can retaliate.

To smash this barrier: Hold open team meetings where everyone is invited to air gripes. Creating a supportive environment is important, but it's also key that you turn the group from complaining to problem-solving before the meeting ends.

• Skills gaps. Confronting difficult situations, sorting through emotions and arriving at consensus require good negotiating skills. Do your team members have them? If not, don't expect consistently honest communication.

To smash this barrier: Train, train and train. Hold occasional practice sessions during team meetings to let members role-play tough situations.

Adapted from Managing Teams, Lawrence Holpp, McGraw-Hill, http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.