Improve Your Communication Skills at the Workplace
Every one of us has experienced a situation where we are assigned a task or leave a meeting without knowing what to do next. It happens a lot. The numbers show that 57% of workers have not received clear instructions, and 69% of managers say they are uncomfortable talking to workers. It is evident from the numbers that workplace communication needs to be improved. But first, let’s define workplace communication.
One sign of a high-performance culture in the workplace is communication. Workplace communication is the process of exchanging ideas and information inside an organization. However, clear communication happens when both parties transmit and understand a message. Effective communication is critical to success and enjoyment in all areas of life (both professionally and personally). For all corporate objectives, effective workplace communication is essential.
Five Methods to Have Effective Communication at Work
Now that you know how effective critical communication is at work, you must learn how to improve your communication abilities. Remember that effective communication requires active listening. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, putting the listener’s needs before your own will frequently help you organize your communication.
Here are 5 tips for developing your communication skills.
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Give it some thought – There are numerous communication frameworks, but if you want to grow better at communicating, start by making it a habit to consider these 5 questions before you send any communication: Why do you have this communication? Who is the participant, audience, or receiver? What are you trying to achieve? What actions do you want the recipient of the communication to take as a result of it? What style will help you achieve your objectives the most? You should take extra time to consider how and why you’re communicating if you have trouble responding to these five questions. Afterward, check your comprehension with your manager or other co-workers.
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Be patient – To ensure that your communication accomplishes the task you need, prepare what you want to say and review it. This particularly applies to written communications. Therefore it means to edit. Keep in mind that effective communication only sometimes comes naturally.
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Make it simple – Almost usually, workplace communication serves a broader purpose. Everyone is busy. Ensure they can quickly grasp what you’re saying and what you want them to do. When giving a presentation or writing something, immediately make your audience aware of your goal and critical point. Then enter the information.
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Condense – In ordinary business conversations, you don’t want to be condescending or “dumb it down,” but you also don’t want to make the other person struggle to comprehend you. Find a concise, unambiguous phrase to express your point. To make your message obvious and remember, repeat it at the beginning, middle, and finish.
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Request comments – A few dependable co-workers and your manager are good places to start. Start by asking them to rate your written and verbal communication individually (i.e., on a scale of 1-10). then pose these 3 questions: What should I do first to improve my communication with you? What specific action should I stop taking in my correspondence with you? What one thing or talent should I focus on honing to enhance my communication at this company?
Companies place communication at the top of their desired abilities every year. There is a rationale. Our interpersonal and professional interactions are successful because of effective communication. It’s how we demonstrate concern, spark change, and complete tasks.
That alone should be motivation enough to advance these crucial abilities. Fortunately, we can all improve our communication skills.
