Miscommunication Defined
Miscommunication happens when there is a disconnect between what is being said and what is heard. In business, a miscommunication can lead to costly errors or deadly mistakes.
Reasons for Miscommunication
Here are six things that cause miscommunication:
- Complex messages: The use of complex technical terms can result in miscommunication. Use clear and concise messages that are easy to understand.
- Withholding information: For many organizations, important information can be kept confidential due to company policies. Make sure that needed information is readily available and accessible.
- Hierarchy: Management must keep employees well-informed and encourage feedback.
- Silos: Hierarchy in an organization is essential but it can also reduce the flow of communication. It is therefore essential to increase departmental interaction and coordination.
- Lack of trust: Competition between employees and managers leads to a lack of trust. Share information, communicate openly and honestly, and involve others in decisions.
- Language barriers: Due to globalization, messages must be effective when conveyed to a culturally diverse audience.
Minimizing the Risk of Miscommunication
When it comes to effective communication, there are certain barriers that every organization faces, such as message overload, which can occur when a person receives too many messages at the same time.
Message complexity can also result in a confused audience. There are several ways to ensure your message is received and understood. When creating the message, read the draft several times and look for confusing statements or awkward wording. After doing that, edit the message for content to ensure there is a clear focus or main idea. Lastly, edit for grammar and misspelled words.
Miscommunication
Complex language often leads to miscommunication.