Implement a strategy to overcome communication barriers Essay

Barriers to communication can present themselves in many diverse forms. Barriers to communication must be anticipated and avoided, by though-out communication strategies . Evaluating past communication helps see where improvement can be made. If I want to others to be open to me , I have to open myself at first. Moreover ,I have to ensure that the person I am communicating with not only hears but understands the statement I am going to make. To climate barriers in communication I have to be able to identify them and take adequate action . In case of time barriers –I am trying to spend required time for active communication without shearing all of my information hurriedly . Distraction barriers –I am fully attentive to my talk, Language barriers-I am making sure that my message is clear without too much medical words or jargon and is comprehensible . Staffing shortage –(is the most common problem in Health Care setting) as a Manager I have to ensure that right number of staff is provided for every shift . In case of lower number of staff on duty different way of communication to be used- board ,communication book ,correct handover to be given with relevant information. With the respect of cultural barriers-we are aware that everybody is different ,the care staff have to understand condition (reading care plans) and culture of the client. We are making sure that our policies are up to date and the staff received appropriate training with regard to awareness cultural and religious differences ,holistic and person –centred approach . There are many different strategies which can be used to overcome barriers to communication. One of the important one is a proper relationship with people who use the service it involves listening skills together with appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication:- -smiling –looking eye contact, gentle tone of voice, showing interest ,nodding head slightly when talking â€Å"I see†, â€Å" I understand†, â€Å"I agree†. I t is very important to build an understanding of people we work with in Social and Health Care . People very often will let you know about their preferred way of communication. All the skills of recognising and overcoming barriers to communication will be useful to avoid situation such as aggression . Reflecting listening skills  are vital in order to make the other person feel included . Empathy may come very useful. Try communicating without judging ,instead view situation and responses from the other person perspective. Make people feel welcome ,wanted and valued and appreciated in communication . If you let others know that are valued ,they are more likely to give you their best. Do not say the first thing that comes into your head but instead take a moment and pay close attention to what you say and how you say it. Focus on what you want to communicate. Always aim to communicate on an equal basis and avoid patronising people . Do not talk about the others behind their back and try not to develop favourites, by treating people equally you will build trust and respect. Encourage open and honest feedback from the receiver to ensure your message is understood . If confidentiality is an issue ,make sure its boundaries are known and ensure is maintained. Learn to troubleshoot and resolve problem and conflict as they arise . Learn how to be effective mediator and negotiator. Encourage and facilitate people to talk to each other. Try not to be judgmental but instead easy the way for conflict resolution. Maintain positive attitude and smile when things do not go to plan, stay optimistic and learn from your mistakes. Some communication scenarios ,by their nature are stressful . Stress can however be a major barrier to effective communication ,all parts should try to remain calm and focused. As often as possible speak face-to-face ,it will convey much more meaning than over the phone or through e-mail. In this busy world we are rapidly losing the art of conversation ,and mainly because we are using the wrong channel for communicating. Very crucial part of management activities are meetings . Meetings are multipurpose actually . They aim at discussing feedback and receiving feedback on the spot. Meetings involve all people working for the company as well as service users and their relatives . A successful and effective meeting is well planned if about its time, venue and agenda. They are very productive and creative ,they are giving the opportunity to everyone to present their view. Overcoming the communication barriers requires a vigilant observation and thoughts of potential barriers in a particular instance of communication . Strategies to overcome these barriers will be different in different situation depending upon the barriers present. â€Å"To listen closely and replay well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation â€Å"-La  Rochefoucauld.