Team Building and Communication

Group Assessment- Communication

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GSS Cohort 1 Group A
Group 1 – Eagles:
Janelle Dann
Annakay Pennant
Tanneil McDaniel
Jodian Lamoth
Jemair Ferguson
Justine Allen

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 Opening Statement
Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and an essential tool for building relationships,

sharing information, and achieving common goals. However, despite its importance, communication issues can

arise in various contexts, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and breakdowns in relationships. Whether it's a

personal relationship, a workplace setting, or a global community, effective communication is critical to fostering

understanding, trust, and cooperation.

This assessment seeks to:

Identify six (6) communication issues that may exist within a team.

a) Present a practical demonstration of how each of the communication issues identified may be solved.

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Dissatisfaction or Disinterest With One’s Job:
Dissatisfaction or disinterest in one's job can have negative effects on communication in the workplace. It

can lead to a lack of motivation, a negative attitude, reduced collaboration, and increased absenteeism. This

can result in poor communication, misunderstandings, and mistakes, leading to reduced productivity and

negative consequences.

How to solve:
Offer opportunities for professional development and growth to help employees feel more engaged and interested in their
work. Eg enroll workers in internal and external courses

Provide regular feedback and recognition to employees to help them feel valued and appreciated. Eg award ceremonies and
one and one sessions

Encourage open and honest communication between managers and employees to address any issues or concerns. Eg open
door policy and huddle sessions
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 Inability to Listen to Others:
The inability to listen to others can have a significant negative impact on workplace communication. When people don't listen,

they miss important information, misunderstand messages, and may overlook the needs of others. This can lead to poor

decision-making, frustration, and conflict among team members. It also undermines trust and collaboration, which are essential

for effective teamwork. By contrast, active listening enables people to better understand one another, exchange ideas, and

resolve problems more effectively. Therefore, it is crucial to develop good listening skills and practice them consistently in the

workplace.

How to solve:
Practice active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing and reflecting back on what the other person has said.

Encourage employees to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.

Provide training on effective communication skills and how to listen actively.

information is being withheld or that they cannot trust their colleagues or managers, it can lead to a breakdown in

communication and collaboration. This can result in misunderstandings, delays in decision-making, and a decrease in

productivity. Furthermore, employees may become hesitant to share their thoughts and ideas, leading to a lack of

innovation and creativity within the organization. Overall, a lack of transparency and trust can create a negative work

environment and hinder the success of the team and the organization.

How to solve:
Be transparent with employees about company policies and decisions.

Build trust by following through on commitments and promises.

Encourage open and honest communication and provide opportunities for employees to share their feedback and ideas. Eg
surveys, feedback dropbox
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 Communication Styles (when they differ):
Communication styles have a significant impact on workplace communication, particularly when they differ. There are four

primary communication styles: assertive, aggressive, passive, and passive-aggressive. Misunderstandings and conflicts can

arise when individuals with different styles communicate. To improve workplace communication, it is essential to

recognize and understand different communication styles, actively listen, express ideas clearly, and respect diverse

communication styles. Developing communication skills and understanding different styles can lead to stronger

relationships and a more collaborative and productive workplace.

How to solve:
Recognize and respect different communication styles.

Provide training on how to adapt to different communication styles.

Encourage open and honest communication to address any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise.

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 Conflicts in the Workplace:
Conflicts in the workplace can have a significant impact on communication. When people conflict, they may become

defensive or closed off, making it difficult to have open and honest conversations. Communication breakdowns can lead

to misunderstandings, which can further escalate the conflict. Additionally, conflicts can create a tense and uncomfortable

atmosphere, causing people to avoid communication altogether or to communicate in an aggressive or confrontational

way. This can result in decreased productivity, lowered morale, and a toxic work environment. Effective conflict resolution

strategies and open communication can help mitigate the negative effects of workplace conflicts on communication.

How to solve:
Encourage open and honest communication to address conflicts early on.

Provide conflict resolution training to employees.

Establish clear policies and procedures for addressing conflicts. This can be done through the Human Resources department
and the policies should be easily accessible to all.
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 Cultural Differences & Language:
Cultural differences and language can significantly impact communication in the workplace. People from different cultures may have

different communication styles, expectations, and norms, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. For example, some

cultures may prioritize direct communication while others may prefer indirect communication. Language barriers can also make

communication difficult, particularly when technical terms or jargon are involved. This can lead to misinterpretations, mistakes, and

frustration. To overcome these challenges, it's important to be aware of cultural differences, learn about different communication

styles, and use clear and simple language when communicating with people from different cultures. Additionally, using tools like

translation services or language classes can help bridge language gaps and improve communication in the workplace.

How to solve:
Provide training on cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Use language and communication tools that are accessible to all employees, such as translation services or visual aids.

Encourage open and honest communication to address any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise due to cultural
differences or language barriers.

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 Concluding
Statement
In conclusion, addressing common workplace challenges such as dissatisfaction or disinterest in one's job, inability to listen

to others, lack of transparency and trust, communication styles, conflicts in the workplace, and cultural differences and

language requires a proactive approach. Employers can provide opportunities for professional development, practice active

listening techniques, be transparent and build trust, recognize and respect different communication styles, encourage open

and honest communication, provide conflict resolution training, and promote cultural awareness and sensitivity to foster a

positive and productive work environment.

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