Strategies to Overcome the 5 Barriers to

Communication

STRATEGIES COVERED:

Creating a safe environment for team

meetings

Getting clarification when you don't

understand

Maintaining unity on a team

Creating a Safe Environment for Open

Communication
WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Treat others the way you'd like to be

treated.

Think before you speak.

Respond to criticism using phrases like "I

understand why you might think that."

Refrain from snickering, eye rolling, or

whispering.

BARRIERS
Avoid making
judgmental
criticisms.
REMOVED:
Screening,
bluffing,
crushing ideas

Creating a Safe Environment for Open

Communication
Creating a safe environment for
team meetings One way to do
this is to establish ground rules
that ensure discussions are free
of criticism and ridicule. People
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should feel like there are no

bad ideas or dumb questions.
Team members must have
assurance that the meeting is a
caring environment, where
constructive criticism is given
with their welfare in mind.

Getting Clarification Where You Dont

Understand
WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Don't be afraid to speak up.

Ask for detailed explanations.

Ask for elaboration on points you don't

understand.

Ask for clarification if details are

confusing.

Maintaining unity on a team

BARRIERS REMOVED: Using jargon,
bluffing

Maintaining Unity on the Team

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Build bridges if you notice people taking

sides.

Identify compromises and win-win

solutions.

Remind team members that a cohesive

team is an effective team.

BARRIERS REMOVED: Becoming Polarized