What do you do if your innovative organization is facing communication barriers?

1 Identify the barriers

The first step is to identify the sources and types of communication barriers that are affecting your organization. For example, are there cultural, linguistic, or generational differences that create misunderstandings or misinterpretations? Are there physical, psychological, or emotional factors that hinder the flow or quality of communication? Are there technical, organizational, or environmental issues that interfere with the transmission or reception of messages? By recognizing the barriers, you can better understand the communication problems and their impacts.

2 Choose the appropriate channels

The second step is to choose the appropriate channels for communication, depending on the purpose, context, and audience. For example, are you communicating to inform, persuade, or collaborate? Are you communicating in a formal or informal setting? Are you communicating with individuals, teams, or stakeholders? Depending on these factors, you may need to use different channels, such as face-to-face, email, phone, video, chat, or social media. By choosing the right channels, you can ensure that your communication is clear, timely, and relevant.

3 Adapt your style and message

The third step is to adapt your style and message to suit the needs and preferences of your communication partners. For example, are you aware of your own and others' communication styles, such as assertive, passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive? Are you using appropriate language, tone, and nonverbal cues to convey your message? Are you considering the background, perspective, and expectations of your communication partners? By adapting your style and message, you can enhance your rapport, empathy, and feedback.

4 Encourage creativity and diversity

The fourth step is to encourage creativity and diversity in your communication, as they are essential for innovation. For example, are you creating a safe and supportive environment where people can express their opinions, ideas, or suggestions freely and respectfully? Are you inviting and valuing different perspectives, experiences, or insights from your communication partners? Are you fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and learning from your communication? By encouraging creativity and diversity, you can stimulate your innovation potential and performance.

5 Seek and provide feedback

The fifth step is to seek and provide feedback in your communication, as it is crucial for improvement and alignment. For example, are you asking for and listening to feedback from your communication partners, such as their opinions, feelings, or questions? Are you providing constructive and specific feedback to your communication partners, such as their strengths, areas for improvement, or suggestions? Are you using feedback to adjust your communication accordingly and achieve your goals? By seeking and providing feedback, you can ensure that your communication is effective and mutually beneficial.

6 Review and evaluate

The sixth step is to review and evaluate your communication, as it is important for learning and development. For example, are you reflecting on your communication process and outcomes, such as what went well, what went wrong, or what can be done better? Are you measuring and analyzing your communication results, such as the impact, satisfaction, or engagement of your communication partners? Are you identifying and implementing the best practices, lessons, or recommendations from your communication? By reviewing and evaluating your communication, you can enhance your communication skills and competencies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?