We see the world through our own eyes.  What sense we make is informed by our personal history, patterns of thought and emotional response.  We tend to believe that this way – our way – is the most reasonable and defensible.  We then feel more comfortable with people ‘like us’ and more wary of people ‘not like us’.

photography by Derek Gordon

The structure of organisations often supports ‘us’ and ‘then’ divisions both sideways and vertically.   These barriers shape, and are in turn reinforced by, the flow of communication.

When the flow of communication hits barriers like these, there is opportunity for misinformation, mistrust and disconnection.

It is in the interests of any organisation to work at removing these barriers.  As well as facilitating culture change, doing so will release energy and creativity leading to a higher performing workplace.

Building Trust & Working Together is a case study from Global Construction and shows how simple, innovative methods can help to remove these barriers and build trust.

For more information, contact us.

Images courtesy of Derek Gordon.