It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it!

Is it enough to say that communication in the work place is the key to preventing conflict? I don’t think so… There are a variety of factors that have to be considered in order to communicate effectively. Factors such as personality, hierarchy, culture, religion and also making sure we choose the most appropriate form of communication depending on the situation. I think it’s too easy to blame poor communication as the sole cause of conflict; some factors that I mention below are based on more than just not communicating.

A lack of communication can create uncertainty, one colleague’s failure to provide another colleague with the appropriate information to complete a task means individuals are unsure where they stand. Neglecting to keep an individual in the ‘loop’ can create conflict between those two individuals and can affect the quality work conducted.

Sharing resources can also initiate conflict, as individuals are expected to share equipment in the work place. If it isn’t communicated in advance that one person wants to use a piece of machinery another could feel they are unable to complete a task and this could cause conflict. 

Teamwork can often be a catalyst for conflict. When a team is made of a variety of individuals with differing strengths and weaknesses to incorporate varying skills personalities can clash as a result. When two people with strong personalities have contradictory opinions they are usually both determined to have their voices heard with little negotiation on either side. Communication in this respect is hugely important and will often involve a third party, i.e. manager resolving the issue. This is why is important to get a good balance of personalities and skill sets so that the group can work productively. Take a look at the workplace zodiac and find out how your work traits support your colleagues.

Rumors and gossip can be dangerous in a workplace. Poor communication can result in the spreading of rumors that may or may not be true. If management are thinking of downsizing employees can over hear and pass on information that makes them fearful of losing their jobs. This can result with employees looking for jobs elsewhere and feeling a lack of motivation to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Misunderstanding what’s being communicated to you can happen to anyone, particularly when someone has chosen the wrong method of communication for the given message. We’ve all read a text message and taken it out of context or opened an email and had to read it several time to remind ourselves of what it is related too. We live life at 60 ‘what the hells’ a minute these days and there is an overwhelming pressure to deliver in the work place. I strongly believe that its not what you say; it’s how you say it! 

So there are a number of factors, all of which touch upon communication as an initiator of conflict but having read this, do you believe it to be enough to blame poor communication as the ultimate catalyst for conflict? Surely the picture is slightly more detailed than that and organisations need to be aware of the consequences that can occur as a result of poor communication so that they can prevent it in the first place? 

I’d be really grateful if you would let me know what you think by commenting below, thanks for reading!