The 5 Myths Of Communication In The Workplace

There are many myths about communication because of human perception of what is working and what is not. 

When it comes to the effectiveness of communication in the workplace, the advice given itself can be misinterpreted but it still comes down to the basics.

As the leader or manager of people, it is important to get your communication skills to the point where you have confidence that it will bring you the desired results.

This article will give you an idea of what you need to do to get it right and what pitfalls to avoid in the form of some myths most leaders fall victim to.

• Why is communication in the workplace so important?
• How can you communicate effectively in the workplace?
• 5 Myths of communication in the workplace
• 5 Myths of communication in the work place - Conclusion

Why is communication in the workplace so important?

One of the most important aspects of management is to communicate regularly and effectively with employees. Communication in the workplace can make or break the success of your work team.

There are many views on what effective communication is and the effect it has on employees. This will be determined mainly by the management style practised within the organization.

Being led down the wrong communication channel is easy if you believe in history and the myths that were created.

Effective communication in the workplace will bring the following important aspects into your organization:

• Everybody will understand the company's vision and goals
• It will focus the whole team on the same required outcomes
• Employees will understand their role in the bigger picture
• It will improve trust relationships
• Work teams will be more productive and work better together
• Better communication will affect results positively
• It also eliminates any problems or misunderstanding
• It will increase the overall performance of everyone
• It also helps leaders understand individuals better

That being said although this can be happening in your workplace it will also depend on the tone of the communication. There should be a balance between positive and negative communication.

How can you communicate effectively in the workplace?

For communication to be effective it must achieve the outcome that it was intended for so it must be focused on the problem and the solution. It is your responsibility as a leader to make sure you and your team understand and know how to communicate effectively.

Here are twelve pointers on how you can have effective communication in your workplace:

• Set your goals and be clear about the outcomes required
• Ask clarifying questions but in a positive tone
• Communicate with individuals to get a better understanding of your team dynamics
• Give credit in public when deserved but keep criticism private
• Create positive intent by being open about specific matters
• Remain neutral as a leader
• Give and receive feedback in a positive manner
• Create a positive environment where people are not afraid to communicate
• Show empathy for other people's thoughts and actions
• Respect opinions as they can give valuable insight
• Avoid gossip and negativity
• Don't react to your own perception without validating the facts

How you implement some of these basics will be very important if you want to show leadership instead of "bossiness". The organizational culture you create is the culture you have to manage so effective communication in the workplace can make life easier.

5 Myths of Communication in the Workplace

There are certain myths or perceptions that most leaders fall for which can create a negative environment that leads to communication failing consistently. Here are just a few of these communication myths for the fun of it.

Communication Myth 1

Communication from management is the final word and there is no feedback channel needed. In other words "When the boss speaks, don't ask questions, just listen".

This is old school and in today's labour market and overly politically correct conditions is not a viable attitude to apply.

This will normally lead to an unmotivated, unproductive, and nonparticipating labour force.

Communication Myth 2

Communication must take time to get the message over clearly. So many managers set up work forums, meetings, and committees to communicate trivial matters.

This is a time-waster and a lack of communication skills on the part of management.

Simple matters are clearer in short communication spells with who it is intended for.

Communication Myth 3

Employees were employed to do and not think.

Unfortunately for followers of this direction time has proven that the most successful organizations in the world consist of employees who are allowed to be innovative and communicate this freely to top management.

Communication Myth 4

Unskilled labour cannot communicate at a management level.

Unskilled does not always mean uneducated. It is the responsibility of management to communicate at all levels in the organization or it is they who become unskilled.

All communication should be regarded as important for the overall success of the business.

Communication Myth 5

If it's not in writing it was not communicated effectively.

In a time where the "in" term is a "paperless environment," it is a shame that there are still management structures that do not believe in the power of common communication.

Putting spoken words into writing is a sign of no confidence in the ability to encourage positive outcomes from normal communication.

Communication should be effective enough to extract the outcome intended from employees and unless the measurement is required for feedback there is no need to put it into writing.

5 Myths of Communication in the Workplace - Conclusion

Certain myths in communication can put leaders on a negative communication path. The only way to manage your leadership effectiveness is to start with effective communication.

The benefits of creating a positive organizational culture all start with how your communication skills are implemented.

The bottom line is to believe in the type of communication that works for your organization and refine it. When you get communication in the workplace working for you then take advantage of the positive results it can bring you.

If you have any questions or additional information that can help other leaders please leave a comment below as it will be appreciated by all.