One time at work, a team member was withholding important project details, which created delays and confusion. In my experience, the first step is to approach them directly and in a non-confrontational way, asking open-ended questions to understand why they might be holding back. It could be due to workload, misunderstandings, or other concerns. One thing I’ve found helpful is fostering a sense of trust and collaboration by emphasizing how sharing information benefits the entire team and the project's success. Sometimes, offering support or showing how their contribution impacts the bigger picture can help break that barrier and encourage open communication.

I'd start by arranging a 1-on-1 meeting in a neutral setting to express genuine interest in understanding their perspective and concerns they might have. Next, I'd highlight how shared information benefits the team and project outcomes and demonstrate, using specific examples, how information gaps impact our collective success. If barriers persist, I'd explore alternative communication channels or suggest involving a trusted mediator. I might also propose structured knowledge-sharing sessions where team members can contribute comfortably. The key is maintaining professionalism while fostering an environment of psychological safety and collaboration. Success comes from understanding and addressing underlying concerns, not forcing compliance.

To break the information barrier when a team member withholds crucial project details, foster open communication by creating a safe space for dialogue, address any concerns directly, and emphasize the importance of shared goals. Encourage transparency by setting clear expectations and regularly check in to ensure everyone is aligned.

To break the information barrier with a team member withholding crucial details, start by fostering open communication in a non-confrontational way. Privately address the issue, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the team's success. Ask if there are any concerns or reasons behind the withholding and offer support in resolving them. Reinforce the shared goal and how their input is vital to the project’s success. Building trust and ensuring a safe environment can encourage them to share the necessary details.

Communication is key here without being accusatory. Here are 3 tips to break through the barrier: 1. Ask open ended questions; often the lack of information is a result of poor communication rather than bad intent 2. Ask clarifying questions; dig deeper than the surface to obtain more information and create clarity 3. Use mirroring; repeat back what you are understanding to confirm you are following or open the door to further clarification/detail from the individual