Leadership Development, Question 5

Define and describe the characteristics of the term "effective communication" and discuss at least three barriers to effective communication. (minimum 200 words)

"Effective communication" is a synthesis between oral, written, and non-verbal skills that brings out the best understanding of a message being conveyed. In addition, communication must be two-way to be effective: the communicator must be accessible to the person receiving the message in order for the message to be correctly understood, because the receiver must have the opportunity to clarify any issues that are not initially clear.

Barriers to this sort of communication include: A) a lack of feedback forums for those receiving information, which may result in an inability to clarify instructions or fully understand or grasp an idea; B) language differences, including not only different languages but also different uses of the same language (jargon) that brings a lack of understanding through an inability to decipher the terms used\; C) inefficient communication channels, such as relying on oral discussion when giving complex instructions or agreement terms, or relying on written communication for transmission of a simple message and delaying that transmission s a result; or D) poor listening skills on the part of either the receiver of information or the communicator, as both are required to listen well in order to ensure that the feedback process is working correctly. (Erven)

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