Effective Communication In The Workplace
Effective communication in the workplace is essential if you are to succeed as a professional. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, effective communication is a necessary component of your day.
Communication is the exchange of information between two or more people or groups. Effective communication means that both parties understand each other and know what to expect from each other. They know what the expected outcome should be.
The Importance of Effective Communication
Effective communication in the workplace is vital for businesses because it improves the morale, engagement, and productivity of the workers. In other words, it's important for everyone to develop skills for effective communication in the workplace, both executives, and non-executives. It ensures everyone is on the same page and is committed to the mission of the business.
Effective communication in the workplace provides an atmosphere where everyone feels they have a say in how things run. It improves teamwork and allows for creativity. There is a feeling of commitment, freedom, and safety to express opinions, observations, and cautions. Therefore, it is safe to say that effective communication in the workplace not only improves morale, efficiency, and engagement but can also help boost creativity and this is good for any business.
As an individual, if you can master the skill of effective communication, you will be able to speak with anyone at any time. You will know how to engage in difficult situations. As an individual, being skillful in communication is a must.You will know how to stand up to those above you without the risk of losing your job. It will matter during crucial conversations when the stakes are high.
Your Responsibility
The question becomes who's responsibility is it that you communicate effectively at work? I would say that YOU. It is your responsibility to make sure YOU communicate effectively up and down the chain of command. If you want to enjoy what you do while you do it, then it is necessary that you communicate effectively.
How To Communicate Effectively
1. Know Your Audience
Who your audience is, determines how you speak to them. Your audience can be your boss, your co-worker, your client, and the list goes on. You need to know your audience because you will need to address them individually.
2.Know What Your Audience Responds To
The way you communicate with the different employees at work should differ depending on who it is. By communication, I mean those crucial conversations that happen from time to time. Those times when you need to express an opinion, make a suggestion, or give feedback. Even though you have an overall mission for the business, each person's role is different. Consequently, the role of your coworker determines their goal.
An important rule when communicating at those crucial times is to include how your information( opinion, ideas, request) would help them achieve their goals. It is easy to get defensive or to close up when you think the person speaking to you is doing so without considering the effect it will have on you or the business.
For example, business owners or chief executives will listen if you have any information that will impact the bottom line of the business. They speak the language of numbers, profits and losses. As a result, anything that can impact the bottomline of their business catches their attention.
3. Manage Your Feelings
It is important not to allow your feeling dictate how you communicate. For effective communication in the workplace, learn to respond and not react.
Keep in mind that no one is perfect and most likely someone would say something that will be offensive to you. With that in mind, approach your business meetings with a thick skin, a calm mind, and a determination to have your voice heard.
4. Practice Active Listening
Communication is two ways folks. What you have to say is equally as important as what you hear. Active listening lets others know that you value their opinion.Practice active listening, focus on the content of the conversation and not on the delivery. Be on the lookout for what is being said non-verbally. Non-verbal communication is integral in communication.
Also,active listening helps you plan how to respond appropriately to the conversation. Watch out for micro-expressions which can tell you when you need to explain more or shut up. You become aware of the mood in the room, so you know when and how to deploy your next point.
5. Learn To Dialogue
A dialogue is a conversation. You go back and forth with one or more people. Effective communication in the workplace includes learning how to converse with someone with opposing views especially if that person is your boss. You should not close up and keep your opinion and observation to yourself. Your greatest influence at work is when you able to engage in the dialogue to express your professional opinion, observations, and ideas. When you keep quiet, you have no say in the matter at hand.
The Last Word
The purpose of effective communication in the workplace is to help you excel at work and to create a comfortable work environment. It will also help you building a powerful brand for yourself.
There will be occasions where you or someone else will lose their cool and things may get a little heated. At those times, the best communication is silence until you have things under control.
Lastly, be prepared to forgive and forget. Since no one is perfect, people will get under your skin and so would you. For your sake, don't hold on to offense or anger. You are better off spending your time and energy on something that is productive rather than on some offense.
