Unfortunately, interference and barriers are a very real part of communication—or should I say miscommunication? Filters are our first interference with effective communication. Filtering can occur when something psychological prevents you from receiving the message in its entirety. For example, biases and our emotional states are filters. But filters can also occur when we restrict sending a message in its entirety. For example, if we have bad news to deliver, we may filter it so it comes across mildly.

For leaders to increase effective communication, it may be necessary to deliver messages across multiple channels and/or at different times. In this way, the impact of filtering is diminished providing a better chance for shared understanding and desired behaviors.

Selective perception, can be viewed as a type of filter. It refers to seeing and hearing in a way that suits our own needs. These needs are based on our life experiences, assumptions, and values. For example, there's an old saying that goes something like: On a busy street, a cricket chirps and a quarter drops. An ecologist only hears the cricket, while a banker only hears the quarter. That's selective perception.

As a leader, it’s worthwhile to take some time to reflect on how your employees may selectively perceive a message. In doing so, the message can be suited to fit, or an additional, personal message may help reinforce the initial message. This way you mitigate employees’ selective perceptions and their associated behaviors.