7 Communication Problems Your Company Doesn’t Know It Has

In 2002, professor Bob Frey of Grand Valley State University told us, “Communication is the primary issue in organizations today.” He told the room of upcoming college graduates that business leadership teams and departments constantly struggle with alignment, simply because of poor communication.

At that time, I wasn’t buying it, and I chalked it up to a fluffy lesson on communication. I just didn’t believe in the idea that seasoned business professionals struggled in the realm of communication. It was strange to me that the primary issue didn’t belong to strategic direction, human resources, technology, or anything else, but to good old-fashioned communication problems!

But it didn’t take long in my young career to see the signs of poor communication. I quickly learned that communication really is the root cause of so many organizational issues.

Top Business Communication Problems

Here are seven common communication problems organizations struggle with.

1. Anything, anytime – Many teams have no structure around communicating issues or opportunities, which creates free-flowing chaos
2. Avoidance – Individual members are afraid of conflict—even when it’s necessary—preventing awareness of valuable insights or issues that need attention
3. Dictatorships – One person rules all and suppresses the rest, which limits discussion and potential resolutions
4. Lack of rapport – Incompatible teams that are compartmentalized don’t reap the benefits of strong relationships or collaboration
5. Lack of trust – Teams don’t believe in each other’s capabilities, and withhold information that’s vital to the organization’s momentum
6. Poor listening – Teams or individuals are unengaged or unwilling to gain perspective, which inhibits personal and professional development
7. Verbal hugs – Well-intentioned individuals cloud the message by giving undue or disingenuous praise and reassurance

Did I miss something? Share experiences you’ve had in the comments section, below.

Great Communication Makes a Great Business

We can’t let poor communication bury the issues that hold our organizations back from reaching their full potential. When we fully use our gift of communication, we reveal the true condition of our organization’s situation. The more we know and understand the actual root cause of issues and opportunities, the greater our ability to remediate.

So, remember the words of Robert Frey. That day in that classroom, he handed me a golden nugget, but I refused the knowledge that I hope you’ll retain today. Effective communication doesn’t come as easy and naturally as we assume it should. It requires our absolute attention.

Discover how EOS® helps your team combat poor communication—check out the Meeting Pulse and the Level 10 Meeting. Ready to get started with EOS? Contact us for a free 90-minute customized overview of your organization’s journey to greatness.