How do you build relationships when communication is difficult?

Research the Individual To build any relationship with any individual you must learn about them. In the case of myself personally, if you spend time learning about me you would find the following: 1. Direct and straight to the point. 2. Low tolerance for people who try to be subject matter experts without the credentials to back it up. 3. I expect that in any meeting I attend, there is always a detailed agenda. 4. I am an avid traveler exploring new places plus I always write reviews online of those experiences. 5. Value my time with my family and friends 6. I am a social media professional Learning about someone before trying to engage is mission-critical. 7.

In my experience taking the time to really understand a person’s communication style, internal motivators, and past experiences can greatly improve your ability to reach them on a deeper level, and make them understand your point of view. For example, if someone is a direct communicator, I try to keep my interactions with them succinct and on the other hand, if someone needs more data, I work to fulfill that need so that we can connect on their level. The most important thing is to listen before speaking.

One thing I've found helpful is to set aside time to get to know the person you are communicating with. Whether that's a phone call where you do not discuss work or meeting in person. Getting a feel for who the other person is, creates a base to work from. Allowing conversation and communication to be more smooth when it is time to work together.

If there’s a difficult conversation to have, specially to clear the air, it helps to honour for walk or coffee and have a chat in a neutral environment. It also enables two individuals to know each other and their preference styles more comfortably. Effective communication and relationship building requires regular work and appreciation that there are peaks and troughs as it’s very human.

Building relationships when communication is difficult requires patience, empathy, and understanding. It is tough to build relationships when you can't get across to the other side, and communication is the bridge. So, to oversimplify: learn basic phrases if there's a language barrier, use technology when applicable, and practice active listening. Be culturally sensitive, find common interests, and consider mediation if needed. Trust, positivity, and open communication are essential for successful relationships in challenging communication situations.

Absolutely agree that active and empathetic listening is the spice required for effective communication. And for that to work, try not to think ‘what to say’ when listening and give your full focus to listening.

When we listen someone attentively, It makes our task easy of understanding the points the speaker is trying to make. Sometimes words and the actual meaning can be different but our active listening can direct our thoughts to the right context. Addressing the exact needs becomes a cake walk and consequently we find ourselves at the right spot to lead a meaningful conversations in any situation.

When possible, give a critique about the work and not about the person. Even though you might disagree, be open to seeing the others perspective.

Agree with Stephen’s addition. I would also add that where possible utilise coaching skills to help the individual to find ways to improve and adapt. And follow it up with positive feedback when there is a small change and effort in the right direction. For the one receiving feedback, it is also important to realise that even constructive feedback requires reflection and one has to take what is relevant and drop the rest.

Seek feedback in more real time and frequently, not when reviews are due. Timely feedback is more useful and can be acted upon, giving individual an opportunity to introduce incremental changes and test the waters as it flows.

Once resolved - I find it helpful to ask for feedback on how I could have communicated differently. Some departments have processes that are different or more ridged - even different terminology.

In my experience, it is also important to adopt the style and use the channels that reflect the other persons preference of communication.