Barriers in Communication

There are multiple barriers in the communication process. These barriers result in
distortion and misunderstanding of the intended meaning/communication. The barriers can be physical,
psychological, emotional, cultural, linguistic etc..

1. Physical barriers: These are a result of our surroundings. Noises, technical disturbances, outdated
   equipments, distant locations, office doors, separate areas for people of different areas, large office spaces,
   old technologies and lack of appropriate infrastructures can lead to problems in transmission of message.
2. Organisational structure barriers: Communication problems occur when the systems, structures and
   processes in the organisation are not clear or have gaps in them. If the chain of command is unclear, a
   person may not know whom to contact for a particular issue. Inappropriate information transmission
   systems, lack of supervision, and unclear role and responsibility demarcations lead to confusion and
   inefficiency.
3. Language barriers: Lack of knowledge of the language can create many obstacles in communication.
   Literally, people from different regions and countries may interpret the same words differently. Difficult
   words, subject specific terminologies, unfamiliar expressions and ambiguous words , create hurdles in
   communication . It is also a fact that the linguistic ability of various people in the work place is different.
   Some maybe proficient in the language while others may possess just basic skills. Therefore, it is important
   to use clear, simple easily understood language in most of your official communications.
4. Cultural barriers: Understanding cultural aspects of communication refers to having knowledge of different
   cultures in order to communicate effectively with cross culture people. Understanding various cultures in this
   era of globalisation is an absolute necessity as the existence of cultural differences between people from
   various countries, regions tribes and, religions, where words and symbols may be interpreted differently can
   result in communication barriers and miscommunications. Multinational companies offer special courses
   and documents to familiarise their staff with the culture of the country where they are based for work.
   In addition, every organisation too has its own work culture. In fact, departments within the same company
   may also differ in their expectations, norms and ideologies. This can impact intra and inter organisational
   communication.
   The same principle applies to families and family groups, where people have different expectations
   according to their background and traditions leading to friction and misunderstanding. A very simple
   example is of the way food is served by a member of a family. It can be the cause of appreciation or
   displeasure.
5. Emotional barriers: One of the chief barriers to open and free communications is the emotional barrier.
   Anger, fear of criticism or ridicule, mistrust of person, suspicion of intentions, jealousy, anxiety and many
   more feelings and sentiments we carry within us, affect our communication ability and quality. A person who
   is upset and disturbed cannot pass on or receive information appropriately and objectively. His/her emotions
   will colour his/her perception and assessment of the communication.
6. Attitude barriers : Personal attitudes of employees can affect communication within the organisation. A
   proactive, motivated worker will facilitate the communication process, whereas a dissatisfied, disgruntled,
   shy, introvert or lazy employee can delay, hesitate in taking the initiative, or refuse to communicate. Attitude
   problems can be addressed by good management and regular interaction with staff members.
7. Perception Barriers: Each one of us perceives the world differently and this causes problems in
   communicating. The same content is seen and interpreted differently by two people and therein lies the root
   cause of miscommunications and misunderstandings.

Characteristics of effective communication

Formal and Informal Communication

Types of Communication

What is communication

Professionalism in Business

Professional workplace behavior is necessary for the long-term success of a business, whether it’s a big corporation or small business. Employee interactions and relationships with customers are of vital importance to ensure that company goals and objectives are met. A professional work place attitude and appearance allow employees to take pride in their work and improve worker performance.

Establishes Appropriate Boundaries

Professionalism in the work place establishes boundaries between what is considered appropriate office behavior and what is not. While most managers support an enjoyable and vibrant work environment, limits must be put in place to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. Workers who conduct themselves professionally steer clear of crossing the line with their conversations and other interactions with co-workers, superiors and clients.

Encourages Personal Improvement

A business environment in which employees dress and operate professionally is more conducive for success. For example, professional dress codes are understood to support career development and personal growth in the work place. That’s because workers who dress and act professionally feel better about themselves and are encouraged to perform better for their clients.

Promote and Maintain Accountability

Companies that interact directly with clients are obligated to provide the best services possible and present their company in the best possible light. Professionalism counts when providing written information to clients. Professionally written company reports, business plans or other correspondence help businesses remain accountable with their level of service. The impression given in the paperwork submitted is important in enforcing the right impression about your business.

Establishes Respect for Authority, and Yourself

Professionalism in business establishes respect for authority figures, clients and co-workers. Maintaining a professional demeanor limits gossip and inappropriate personal conversations that could be considered disrespectful. Keeping a professional attitude with clients who behave inappropriately demonstrates the level of respect an employee has for the customer and the business partnership.

Boosts Respect ans Minimizes Conflict

Conflicts are less likely to arise in a professional business environment. Workers who respect each others’ boundaries and conduct themselves professionally rarely have disagreements that cannot be resolved efficiently. Professionalism in business also benefits diverse environments in which business people and their clients have several different perspectives and opinions. Professional behavior helps business people avoid offending members of different cultures

Importance of Professionalism

It is important to note that demonstrating professionalism is important at all levels in an organisation. Professionalism is not the responsibility of the leadership team but is vital at all levels. You can display professionalism in something as small as never forgetting an attachment to your emails, or writing without any grammatical errors, or in something as complex as performing a task with limited resources in the given time even when the delay was unavoidable.
Professionalism can become a part of your personality, (not keeping people waiting, being responsive etc..,) People with high levels of professionalism are most frequently considered for Job advancement.
Professionalism goes a long way in one’s personal career success as well as the success of the organisation.

Why professionalism is important at workplace

• Creates Boundaries – Workers who conduct themselves professionally avoid crossing their line with subordinates, superiors or clients
• Creates an Atmosphere of Improvement – A professional atmosphere is more conducive to success.
• The sense of Responsibility – In a professional atmosphere, an employee while handling a task, sees the larger purpose, and hence are able to own their actions and take appropriate decisions. One takes pride in performing the tasks assigned to them.  This adds to the overall image of not only the employee but also showcases the value by which the organisation stands.
• Mitigates Conflicts – businesses which promote a professional atmosphere also makes it easier to deal with diverse environments in which subordinates or even clients could have a difference of opinion however they can agree to disagree and come together on common grounds.
• Increased Job Satisfaction – Professionalism eliminates stress to a great degree and once that is taken care of an employee thrives in a healthy atmosphere leading to enhanced performance.
• Personal Growth – Not only in terms of job advancement, but there are a certain dignity and pride in one’s work that develops. You get appreciated for consistently good quality output and that in turn builds your confidence, makes you a more secure person who is then capable of handling difficult situations with refined emotional maturity.

Qualities of a Good Professional

Important professional qualities

Having these twelve professional qualities, you can be successful in your work.

1. Willingness to learn

True professionals are always open to learning more and advancing their skill set. You can do this through continued education or self-learning. Rather than waiting for your manager to train you, you initiate the learning. A high-quality employee is eager to try new things and even learn from making mistakes along the way.

2. Positive attitude

Having a positive attitude is an important professional quality because it’s a key part of facilitating a good work environment. Your positive attitude can inspire others to feel the same way. By having a sense of optimism, you’re more likely to work toward the solution rather than dwelling on the problem. Positive people tend to have a “can-do” attitude, which helps work toward the company’s goals.

3. Conflict resolution

When a conflict arises, a professional works to resolve the problem. They use productive communication to learn all sides of the story and work toward a compromise. It’s important that during such situations you remain neutral and are careful of what you say to others. Professionals tend to be the bigger person and only speak kindly of their colleagues. It’s professional to keep conflicts private and to follow company procedures to handle them.

4. Helpfulness

Volunteering to take on extra tasks or to help out a coworker is a true sign of a professional. When you put in extra effort, it’s likely that your team will notice and appreciate the value you add to the workplace. Showing that you are willing to take on new responsibilities can prove that you are ready for the next step in your career. Those who do more may be more qualified for a promotion or raise.

5. Integrity

Integrity is an important trait for any person to have. It ensures that you are trustworthy and honest about your decisions. It means that you genuinely want to see your team succeed and will work toward the common goal. When you have integrity, people feel more secure about letting you work with private information or important tasks.

6. Solution-oriented

When a problem arises, a professional person instantly starts to create proactive solutions. Instead of just pointing out a problem you find, you share the problem and then offer a way to fix it. When you can contribute innovative or unique ideas to a brainstorming session, it shows that you have initiative. Always be thinking of ways you can make other people’s jobs easier or prevent problems entirely.

7. Self-motivated

Being able to motivate yourself shows that you have a sense of independence. Managers tend to appreciate employees who can figure out what they need to do with little direction. A self-motivated person can stay on task, maintain their energy and show their ambition. Finding ways to motivate yourself, such as maintaining healthy habits or creating a personal reward system, can help improve this quality.

Related: 4 Simple Ways To Maintain Motivation for Career Success

8. Responsible

Other employees and management can expect a professional-acting person to get their work done. If you say you’re going to do something, you follow through on it. Using a calendar to keep track of commitments and always showing up on time are things professionals are sure to do. Likewise, if they find they cannot finish a task on time or make a meeting, they promptly communicate this and find a solution for such situations.

Related: The Difference Between Accountability and Responsibility

9. Collaborative

Along with working well on their own, a professional employee can effectively collaborate with others. Having strong teamwork skills makes you pleasant to work with and may give you more opportunities to work on new projects. A key component of being collaborative is giving others the chance to share their opinions and insights. Giving your coworkers a chance to speak and building upon what they say is a part of being a team player.

Characteristics of Professionalism

Specialized Knowledge
First and foremost, professionals are known for their specialized knowledge. They’ve made a deep
personal commitment to develop and improve their skills, and, where appropriate, they have the
degrees and certifications that serve as the foundation of this knowledge.

Competency
Professionals get the job done. They’re reliable, and they keep their promises. If circumstances arise
that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they manage expectations up front, and they do
their best to make the situation right.

Honesty and Integrity
Professionals exhibit qualities such as honesty and integrity . They keep their word, and they can be
trusted implicitly because of this. They never compromise their values , and will do the right thing,
even when it means taking a harder road.

Accountability
Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially when
they’ve made a mistake. This personal accountability is closely tied to honesty and integrity, and it’s a
vital element in professionalism.

Self-Regulation
They also stay professional under pressure. For instance, imagine a customer service employee who’s faced with an irate customer. Instead of getting upset or angry in return, the employee exhibits true professionalism by maintaining a calm, business-like demeanor, and by doing everything that she can to make the situation right.

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Professionals look the part – they don’t show up to work sloppily dressed, with unkempt hair. They’re
polished, and they dress appropriately for the situation. Because of this, they exude an air of
confidence, and they gain respect for this.

Also watch this video

Definition of Professionalism

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According to oxford dictionary, professionalism is defined as “the competence or skill expected of a professional” or “the practising of an activity, especially a sport, by professional rather than amateur players”.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that
characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”; and it defines a profession as “a calling
requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.”
These definitions imply that professionalism encompasses a number of different attributes, and,
together, these attributes identify and define a professional