The potential barriers to effective communication in any
setting are great and virtually limitless. In communication terms, these barriers are
often called "noise" and can be classified as either internal or external. Examples of
external noise include any distractions around the listener: sounds of any kind, other
people, poor lighting, uncomfortable seating, inability to hear well, personal
discomfort, sleepiness, and more. External noises can, to some degree, be controlled.
Internal noise is anything happening inside the listener which causes distractions:
worry, lack of interest, excitement, lack of comprehension, and more. One other type of
internal noise is known as semantic noise, which happens when the listener disagrees
with the speaker and is therefore busily formulating some rebuttal or argument rather
than really listening.
In terms of a team, each member is
still an individual and will deal with those barriers (noises) as their exercise
progresses. In addition, though, people tend to either "buy in" to team-building
exercises or they dismiss them as a foolish waste of time. If they are "in," things
will go well with the group--until just one person demonstrates a bad attitude; until it
gets a little too frustrating (or ridiculous); until the task is too difficult (or too
easy); until the expectations are set too high (or too low); until someone tries to
dominate the team (or refuses to step up and fully participate); or until any other
number of barriers get in the way of effective communication. The best way to overcome
those barriers is for the team to experience success in the task it has been
given.
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