The inability to communicate effectively is the reason for most of the misunderstanding we deal with daily. It’s vitally important that we communicate well at work. The many distractions of modern times make it more difficult than ever to do this. If we want to be effective, communication requires an emotional connection with the person or people with whom we communicate and that brings us to, relationship.

Relationship

Develop a relationship with the listener, and as a listener, with the communicator. Often, we hear what is said but do not remember exactly what was said. We do this when we do not listen. Not listening shows a lack of regard for the speaker and disrespect too. It is also unprofessional behaviour. Developing a good working relationship may take some effort but is worth it for successful development in the workplace between the various associates, such as clients, agents and candidates.

Maintain eye contact while speaking and when talking to someone directly, mention the other person by the name often. This helps to maintain an emotional connection and encourages the listener to pay attention. Have a conversation, not a lecture, and answer questions clearly. Listen closely when the other person shares a perspective because it’s the only way to conduct a genuine conversation.

Focus 

The ability to focus and be in the moment is vital to overcome distraction. Learn the art of switching off. For many of us, it starts with turning off the social media distraction. This is good practice for turning off non-essential thoughts. The attentive person will be an attentive worker and an excellent communicator.

Literature

Company Awareness

This automatically flows off self-awareness. A person who is self-aware cannot help but be aware of the world around them, unlike self-absorption, which is not conducive to development of the mind or creativity in the workplace. It promotes the interests of the company when we are attentive to what is going on in the workplace. While self-awareness improves our creativity, required for promotion of the business, when we become company-aware, this allows us to detect challenges and solve potential problems before they happen. When reading stimulates self-awareness and we also develop company awareness, we become critical thinkers, who learn to weigh and consider before acting.

If we want to make a difference in the company and improve communication skills between all the players in the workplace, become more company-aware by reading and learning more about the business. It helps to remember that many historical changes happened because of discerning readers e.g. slaves were forbidden to read on pain of death or mutilation and there is a good reason Hitler burned books – knowledge is empowering.

Written Communication 

Modern forms of communication through technology such as smart phones and email sometimes seem like a new language. It’s important to keep up with fresh ways of communicating. Especially so when it is written communication. If readers are history-makers and writers history-shapers, as suggested by a contributor in the “Worldwide’ bi-monthly magazine, then what we write can influence or shape the culture and brand of the business in which we operate.

Keep a record of all written communication though, because it is so easy to delete material to clear the inbox to make space.  Write with clarity and your presentation must keep the reader reading. Be as concise as possible without sacrificing relevance. When receiving a communication, a seasoned reader will better understand the nuance of a comment than a non-reader, thus avoiding confusion when the comment seems ambiguous.

Questions

When in doubt always query politely and when not in doubt, as in gathering information, question anyway? Questions show interest and a willingness to learn. Guessing or assuming makes for misunderstanding with sometimes serious repercussions.

Lynda Rogle (Stephen) ©