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Communication apprehension (CA), or fear of communication with others, is extremely common—and can have detrimental effects on those who experience it. Whether the cause of CA stems from a fear of giving a toast at a large wedding, or communicating with just one other person in a workplace setting, it can have negative consequences for both the senders and receivers of messages.
This can be especially true in the workplace, where well-informed employees are better employees. But what happens if the person responsible for imparting information to employees suffers from communication apprehension? What if you’re in a management position and you have trouble communicating at work?
According to Heidi Bartoo and Patricia M. Sias ("When Enough Is Too Much: Communication Apprehension and Employee Information Experiences," Communication Quarterly, Vol. 52(1), 2004), "employees with high CA supervisors are put at a significant information disadvantage. They receive less information than other employees and it is likely that much of that information is important."
But this problem doesn't have to be fatal to anyone's career if it is addressed properly. Bartoo and Sias suggest that supervisors high in communication apprehension be given guidance on how to master other modes of communication (such as e-mail) that produce less anxiety, as well as being provided with communication skills training and CA interventions.
More Workplace Communication:
The importance of nonverbal communication during job interviews
Nonverbal behaviors during interviews
More interviewing tips
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