OVERCOMING THE FOUR KEY BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
1
Overcoming the Four Key Barriers to Communication
James G. Smith
Western Governors University
, OVERCOMING THE FOUR KEY BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
2
Overcoming the Four Key Barriers to Communication
There are four key barriers to communication managers need to be aware of if they are to
successfully manage a team; process, personal, physical, and semantic.
Process Barriers
Process barriers in communication relate to the actual means in which ideas are
communicated. To be successful, one must be constantly aware of the sender, message, receiver
relationship as well as the level of noise inherent in the conversation.
To overcome the process barriers of communication, a manager needs to fit the message
to the medium. Face-to-face communication is always best. Being present in the room allows
for the actual message to be supported by non-verbal cues. Body language makes up an
astonishing amount of communication. If a manager wants to get a point across, face-to-face is
best. If a manager is unable to have a face-to-face conversation, the manager must be aware of
deficiencies in alternative methods of communication.
Phone conversation lose the personal touch and the visual cues associated with body
language. Often times, while on a phone conversation the sender or receiver can be engaged in
other activity reducing their level or attention. It is important to use words more efficiently to
ensure the message is being received.
When writing a letter or email, it is important to note the receiver in this situation is not
hearing the message from the sender. The receiver of the communication is interpreting the
message in their own voice and with their current feelings. Any number of reasons can affect the
receiver in this situation, and in turn color your message in ways unintended. It is extremely
important to be very succinct and to-the-point when writing a message.
1
Overcoming the Four Key Barriers to Communication
James G. Smith
Western Governors University
, OVERCOMING THE FOUR KEY BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
2
Overcoming the Four Key Barriers to Communication
There are four key barriers to communication managers need to be aware of if they are to
successfully manage a team; process, personal, physical, and semantic.
Process Barriers
Process barriers in communication relate to the actual means in which ideas are
communicated. To be successful, one must be constantly aware of the sender, message, receiver
relationship as well as the level of noise inherent in the conversation.
To overcome the process barriers of communication, a manager needs to fit the message
to the medium. Face-to-face communication is always best. Being present in the room allows
for the actual message to be supported by non-verbal cues. Body language makes up an
astonishing amount of communication. If a manager wants to get a point across, face-to-face is
best. If a manager is unable to have a face-to-face conversation, the manager must be aware of
deficiencies in alternative methods of communication.
Phone conversation lose the personal touch and the visual cues associated with body
language. Often times, while on a phone conversation the sender or receiver can be engaged in
other activity reducing their level or attention. It is important to use words more efficiently to
ensure the message is being received.
When writing a letter or email, it is important to note the receiver in this situation is not
hearing the message from the sender. The receiver of the communication is interpreting the
message in their own voice and with their current feelings. Any number of reasons can affect the
receiver in this situation, and in turn color your message in ways unintended. It is extremely
important to be very succinct and to-the-point when writing a message.
