Disconnected: Why Communication Still Fails in a Hyper-Connected World

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are exploring a puzzling problem; why does communication still fail in a hyper-connected world? Even though the workplace has more modes of communication than ever before, 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective collaboration and communication as the main cause of workplace failures. Are we trading convenience for connection and clear communication? If you frequently feel overwhelmed and misunderstood have you ever stepped back and asked, “How much can my brain safely and accurately compute?” The average office worker receives about 121 emails per day and sends out 40 work-related emails daily, contributing to communication overload and potential miscommunication. Studies suggest that people misinterpret the tone and intent of emails and texts about 50% of the time, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.  Over 70% of employees report feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information they receive at work, leading to decreased productivity and communication breakdowns. 

It doesn’t take long for me to become distracted. I envision an octopus with eight arms all preforming tasks at the same time and in the center of it all, the googley eyes are spinning and steam is coming from it’s head. Picture it, you're watching a program>while reading the subtitles>you get a text> that asks you to jump on social media to check out a post or video>someone asks you a question>your phone rings>it’s your mother and she can’t understand her banking app>you open a web browser to see why she’s stuck……I literally could go on and on.  Does all this convenience and distracting multi-tasking come at a cost? 

Would you be able to go “old school.” 

A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that frequent digital media use involving social media, gaming, texting, and streaming movies, music, or TV increases one's risk of developing ADHD symptoms by nearly 10 percent. Put a pin in that and we’ll come back to it. 

Over at Preply, Matt Zajechowski shines a line on a Study showing Americans are becoming less effective communicators

At Recuiter.com I found more information on The Negative Impact That Growing Up Digital Has Had on Communication

At HelpGuide.org I found Effective Communication -Improving Your Interpersonal Skills

Have you ever heard of the snowball effect? The term refers to how small issues can escalate and accumulate leading to larger problems and potentially significant consequences. Now let’s start a lack of communication or miscommunication snowball down the hill. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. Misunderstandings: Initially, there might be a small misunderstanding or misinterpretation of a message, which is not addressed or clarified.
2. Assumptions and Errors: Without clarification, people may start making assumptions or errors based on the initial misunderstanding, leading to further confusion.
3. Missed Opportunities: As misunderstandings grow, opportunities for collaboration, innovation, or problem-solving may be missed, affecting productivity and efficiency.
4. Conflict: Unresolved misunderstandings can lead to conflicts, as people become frustrated or feel ignored, further hindering effective communication.
5. Distrust and Resentment: Persistent communication breakdowns can erode trust and breed resentment among team members, damaging relationships and morale.
6. Impact on Performance: Ultimately, the snowball effect can impact overall performance, leading to decreased productivity, lower quality work, and potentially even business losses.

CHALLENGE: Clear communication is crucial for effective collaboration and understanding in both personal and professional settings, fostering stronger relationships and minimizing misunderstandings. Convey your ideas accurately, ensuring everyone is on the same page to drive successful outcomes.

I Know YOU Can Do It!