Communication Gaps and How to Close Them

With most types of communication, gaps form naturally or with intention even. Regardless of why they exist, they can cause some issues with executing the best service we can for our customers, peers, patients and others. However, these gaps can be overcome.

Listed below are some suggestions to consider to improve your personal communication and that of your department with every other person, department or facility it may interface with:

• Understand your own communication style first. You cannot meet someone else where they are if you do not completely see and understand how you best deliver messages or receive them.
• Research different communication styles.
• Actively listen to others and try to absorb how they deliver information to you or a group.
• Go out of your comfort zone and try to present messages to others in a fashion that best suits their style.
• As you receive a message and it “feels” off-putting, wait a bit before you respond. You may not be truly “hearing” their actual intended message for you.
• Deliver messages and communication by different modes so as many people with their unique styles have a better opportunity to receive the correct message.
• Ask for feedback. This will help to ensure what you intended to be heard was in fact heard correctly.

Bridging gaps in communication is not a one-time event. It is an activity that should be weaved into our lives to the point that it nearly becomes routine. We owe it to ourselves and others to present the best we have to offer in a way it can be received in the best way possible. Besides, there are already so many other variables in life and in our daily work lives that are complicated, communication is the foundation that must be solid, so you can then focus on the rest!