If your answer is A, congratulations, you are bonding with the other person, by actively listening to them. And there is a physiological explanation to this \u2014 both you and the speaker are producing neurochemical oxytocin<\/a>, a so-called love hormone, which helps build trust<\/a> and connection in any relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you answered with either B or C, that means you\u2019re not actively listening and that you\u2019re risking a<\/strong> communication breakdown.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever your answer might be, don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got your back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This blog post will help you understand communication breakdowns and avoid them in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, we\u2019ll see what a communication breakdown is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After that, we\u2019ll consider the major causes and effects of communication breakdown, and show you how to avoid it altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s become better communicators!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Simplify team communication and collaborate more effectively. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n If communication is the exchange of information between two or more individuals, a communication breakdown means not being able to get your message across properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When communication breakdown occurs, it usually results in a lack of communication.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In our search for answers, we reached out to Kassondra Glenn<\/a>, a licensed master social worker, who told us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u200b\u200b\u201dCommunication breakdowns occur when the intention of what we are attempting to communicate does not match the impact on those who are receiving it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re still unsure what a communication breakdown is, just be patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the following paragraphs, we will consider major causes for communication breakdown and illustrate them with examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019ll all be clear as a day to you before you can say \u201ccommunication breakdown\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s dig in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a company\u2019s success, communication is crucial. Still, it doesn\u2019t always go as planned. There are cases when all of us encounter some hiccups in communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why do they happen, you ask? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, let\u2019s look at some of the causes of communication breakdowns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll start with the most common one \u2014 relying on assumptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This one\u2019s on managers \u2014 it is their job to clarify to their employees who needs to do what<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, managers must not assume anything and leave any little details unsaid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What does it look like in practice? Here\u2019s an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marjorie is the marketing manager in a large advertising company. They finally landed a big client and now they have to show their skills in the best possible way. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She called the two of her most creative copywriters \u2014 Diego and Natasha, and told them to come up with a slogan and an ad for their new client. However, she did not <\/em>specify<\/em><\/strong> who should do what. They both came up with a slogan, but they didn\u2019t have a new ad. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 How did this happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, both Diego and Natasha assumed that they should come up with a slogan, without checking it with Marjorie or with one another first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Clearing up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After realizing that she was being vague about the responsibilities of her subordinates, Marjorie apologized and decided to show both slogans to the client, so they could choose the one they liked better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, she extended the deadline for the ad and explained the whole situation to the client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t rely on assumptions. Ask for clarification on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This one\u2019s what Chip and Dan Heath called \u201cthe curse of knowledge\u201d<\/em> in their book Made to Stick: Why some ideas survive and others die<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry, this has nothing to do with witches and fairy tales. Unfortunately, it\u2019s very real and an everyday occurrence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the person sharing an idea with their team has a lot more information about the idea in their mind than their listeners (especially new colleagues). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The people sharing ideas already know why the problem is relevant because they solved the puzzle in their head. Meanwhile, the listeners only have pieces of it and are \u2014 well, puzzled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re<\/em> puzzled as well, here comes a good old example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a look at a conversation on a business messaging platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamie Smith, a lead designer, gives Rose Tenant, a writer, feedback about the visual aspect of the text she\u2019s preparing for the social media post. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rose Waters, from Sales, is in the same group in chat, but she\u2019s just started working in the company. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She sees the term \u201corphan\u201d which Jamie Smith uses in their chat, and is perplexed by it because she thinks of a child without parents. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Solve issues quickly over Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 How did this happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Being new in the company, as well as coming from the Sales department, Rose Waters is not familiar with designers\u2019 lingo and is perplexed by Jamie\u2019s remark. Perhaps she thought he was an evil Dickensian character who despises orphans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Clearing up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having realized the cause of this communication breakdown, Jamie explained that, in design, an orphan<\/em> is a word that is left alone at the beginning of a line, separated from the rest of the text. <\/p>\n\n\n The air is cleared, and communication channels are once again flowing impeccably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the 2021 Global Employee Survey<\/a>, 30% of the surveyed employees reported that they work directly with a team member from another country every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although cross-cultural collaboration brings a fresh perspective to every company, it also comes with its own challenges, such as cultural differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robert Parker, a businessman from New York, is having a meeting with his business partner Oda Aimi. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He proposes a new business strategy and asks her if she thinks it is viable.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She says: \u201cYes\u201d and Mr. Parker is more than happy he\u2019s done a good job. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A few days later, Ms. Aimi sends him an email notifying him that they will end their cooperation by the end of next month.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Parker is perplexed. What had he done wrong?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 How did this happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Parker should have researched business customs in Japan. If he had done that, he would know that in Japan, people are very sensitive to the word \u201cNo\u201d<\/em><\/a>. So, it is customary to respond with \u201cYes\u201d<\/em> even if they don\u2019t agree with what is being said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s best to avoid \u201cYes\/No\u201d<\/em> questions when doing business with your associates and clients from Japan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always do research about the customs of the culture you\u2019re doing business with, to avoid situations like this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Clearing up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After the unpleasant situation, Mr. Parker read about the customs in Japan and realized his grave mistake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, it was too late to save this deal, but he learned his lesson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the future, he\u2019ll do his homework, before doing business with partners from other countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Empower your team and boost productivity in real time. Try Pumble.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to avoid mistakes like this, check out our article on perfecting cross-cultural communication at the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the worst has happened \u2014 you came across a communication breakdown. Now what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n First things first, let\u2019s assess the damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can\u2019t be that bad, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, let\u2019s look at the most common effects of a communication breakdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Broadly categorized, they affect our mental health and work culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication breakdowns cause stress<\/strong> and low morale<\/strong> in your employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, according to the 2021 report The Evolution of Communication<\/a>, 7 in 10 Americans agree that mental health is tied to communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, when communication fails, employees’ mental health deteriorates, making them more stressed and anxious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication breakdowns affect your work culture, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They may demotivate your employees and create tension amongst the team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, that kind of work culture may cost you your clients or business opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, the disorganization that comes with communication breakdowns leads to higher employee turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unable to rely on organizational communication<\/a>, your employees might turn to grapevine communication<\/a>, which only further aggravates the work culture of your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organize your communication on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If employee morale in your company is low, check out our article on boosting employee morale in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve covered the causes and effects of communication breakdowns, we\u2019re more aware of its danger to the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why our next step in this blog post are tips on how to avoid communication breakdowns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding communication breakdowns is easier than mending their consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re having any doubts about it, we have some tips for you, that will help you avert breakdowns in your workplace communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, without further ado, let\u2019s get to it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Galagher\u2019s report State of the Sector 2022, only 31% of the surveyed say they have an internal communication strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is devastating news, especially if we take into account the words of Benjamin Franklin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you want to communicate with your coworkers without any glitches, first, you should make an internal communication plan. It should include your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, having a plan for communication doesn\u2019t make you immune to communication breakdowns \u2014 but it certainly does lower the chances of them occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Simplify team communication and collaborate more effectively. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need any help in coming up with an internal communication plan, you can find all the necessary information and even templates in our extensive guide on planning internal communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid breakdowns in workplace communication, you should strive towards clearer communication \u2014 everyone should know who<\/em> to talk to and report to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A manager should be in charge of the flow of information, and oversee the entire process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from that, managers should give constructive feedback<\/a> to their employees about their specific roles in a project\u2019s success to keep them in the loop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what Mark Grimm<\/a>, a communications specialist, had to say about this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEveryone should be kept updated on how success is measured and what specific role each person plays in creating that success. Compensation should be tied directly to what management says is important.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In other words, if you want to motivate your employees and avoid any misunderstandings, be specific about their tasks and roles in a project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at an example of a manager delegating tasks to their employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bill Jameson is announcing to his employees that an inspection is coming to their company, and he wants to get ready for them on time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why he delegates tasks to his coworkers so that they can be prepared for everything.<\/p>\n\n\n Delegate tasks and organize work on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you follow Bill Jameson\u2019s leadership style<\/a>, you\u2019ll be one step closer to a workplace free from communication breakdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your employees should work in an environment that makes them feel comfortable and safe, as well as free to speak up their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, they should be able to ask for any necessary clarifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark Grimm, one of our experts, agrees: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEmployees must feel comfortable taking risks, criticism of any risk-taking will mean you’ll get less of it. Every employee should be clear on what is expected from them and why that role is in their interest. There must be an atmosphere of trust and candor and the constant cultivation of the approach that merit matters.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Only then can you be sure that your employees will freely ask further questions<\/a> if something is unclear to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a good way to steer clear of communication breakdowns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another useful way to do so is to actively listen to the other party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It means you need to be engaged with your conversation partner in a positive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, listen attentively to what is being said, paraphrase the words and reflect back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the experts we consulted, Kassondra Glenn, agrees: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can avoid communication breakdowns through asking for clarification and practicing active listening. These tools help us to move away from being closed off and into a more receptive, open communication stance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Likewise, in her article<\/a>, clinical psychologist Arlin Cuncic states that active listening at work is especially important if you frequently interact with colleagues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She highlights the importance of active listening in understanding problems and collaboration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why she\u2019s offering a few tips for active listening: <\/p>\n\n\n\n With Ms. Cuncic\u2019s advice, you’ll surely hone your active listening skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Strengthen your business communication and collaboration process with Pumble.<\/p>\n\n According to research on workplace communication<\/a>, 57% of people like to use instant messaging platforms, including business communication platforms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A communications expert and editor at Mantelligence, Jasper Chase<\/a>, provided us with some insight on this matter: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhether face-to-face, through email, or instant messengers, there needs to be a platform for people to communicate with each other, or else they will fail to communicate at all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, to avoid communication breakdowns, choose your platform for communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when choosing the software tools, you should keep in mind your team\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carefully assess your communication needs and choose the software accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for the best communication tool? Pick Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of software tools on the market and you\u2019re not sure which to choose, check out our guide on the best team communication tools: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our last tip is actually 2 in 1: don\u2019t assume anything \u2014 overcommunicate<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, first of all, never assume anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We all have different backgrounds and come from different cultural contexts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because something goes without saying for you, it doesn\u2019t mean you can leave out information and expect others to understand you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we must not forget to overcommunicate<\/em> if we truly want to be understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, keep in mind that overcommunication is not a synonym for information overload<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re not suggesting that you should info-dump or bore your colleagues \u2014 but rather deliver important information, in detail, at the right time, to the right people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication breakdowns can easily occur, but are, luckily, just as easily avoided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they affect our mental health and work culture, there are tried and tested ways to avoid them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, keep away from assumptions of any kind and be careful with the business jargon and cultural differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you pay attention to these major causes and follow our advice on avoiding them, you can rest assured that your workplace communication will improve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the next time you\u2019re talking to your coworker, look them in the eye, listen attentively \u2014 and work on that oxytocin level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Effortless collaboration and communication. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n Learn the causes and effects of communication breakdown and follow our 6 tips for avoiding it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3539,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3527"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23648,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3527\/revisions\/23648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3539"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhat is a communication breakdown? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Kassondra-Glenn.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMajor causes for communication breakdown in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cause #1: Relying on assumptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example of a communication breakdown caused by relying on assumptions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cause #2: Believing everyone understands industry jargon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example of a communication breakdown caused by believing everyone understands industry jargon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Assuming](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Assuming-everyone-understands-the-industrys-jargon.png\")
![\"Clarifying](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Clarifying-the-industrys-jargon.png\")
Cause #3: Cultural differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example of a communication breakdown caused by cultural differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n
What are the effects of a communication breakdown?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The effects of communication breakdowns on mental health <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The effects of communication breakdowns on work culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to avoid communication breakdowns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Build an internal communication plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n
2\ufe0f\u20e3 Define the chain of command<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Mark-Grimm.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Delegating](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Delegating-tasks-on-Pumble.jpeg\")
3\ufe0f\u20e3 Create an atmosphere of trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n4\ufe0f\u20e3 Actively listen <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n5\ufe0f\u20e3 Choose the right software tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Statistics](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Statistics-on-communication-devices-and-solutions-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Jasper-Chase.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
6\ufe0f\u20e3 Don\u2019t assume \u2014 overcommunicate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrapping up: It\u2019s easier to avoid communication breakdowns than deal with their consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"