Do you want to improve communication in a relationship?
Remove the barrier…
In almost all miscommunication, there is a barrier to communicating effectively. Find the barrier, remove…or at least address it, and communication will improve every time. I guarantee it. (Or your money back for this advice. 
)
The barrier may be:
A personality difference…
A perception…
A thing…
A language…
A misunderstanding…
An attitude…
That may involve turning the television (thing) off when trying to talk with your spouse or children, recognizing the differences in two people (personality), or letting go of a prejudice (attitude).
Whatever it is, you find the barrier…address it…and you’ll improve your communication. You may not be able to remove the barrier completely. I’m assuming you won’t throw away your TV when you can’t communicate, but with intentionality you’ll at least be able to minimize the barrier.
What other barriers have you seen to effective communication?
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Wow, great point! As usual, I’d love to read 10 real life examples of this principle and how the barrier was removed (I know I always ask this, but it’s only because your posts are so darn good that I want more!!!!)
Also, along w misunderstanding, I’d say different life experience/perspective that leads to different understandings of definitions of words & opinions. So when I’m saying “this is so wasteful” someone else sees it as frugal or proper.
Perhaps difference of opinion or assumed agreement on certain basics is also a huge cause of miscommunication.
I may work on this. Good thought! Thanks Jesse. Hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful Neu Year
I feel that perception and attitude act as the greatest barrier in communicating effectively with the recipient. It is very difficult to get rid of these between the communicators.
Yes, especially is the perception and attitude is in the form of prejudice.
This post is just a great, simple reminder that misunderstanding, not bad intentions, is the #1 cause of conflict.
I might add that listening, accepting the other person's perspective as their reality, and being gracious in it will always be the most important posture you can take in communication.
Thanks. Good adds!
Laziness! Communication takes effort. It requires listening as well as projecting. How many times have you heard someone say, but you didn't tell me that, only to have them rethink and realize that indeed they were told? Early in my ministry I was told something I have tried never to forget. Just at the moment you think you have communicated it effectively, you are just beginning, keep saying it.
That's right Aaron. Great to hear from you again. Hope you are well.
Funny you should write about this one day after the Cardinal fiasco in Game 5. LaRussa took the blame but there was still a miscommunication and if the Rangers win, this will be seen as a pivotal point in the series. Failure to connect properly and to listen (did he even question what he thought he was told?) is the real culprit. Good thoughts today Ron.
Ha! Yea, it was already scheduled. Great to meet you at the Sticks.