When it comes to workspace, no one will deny the fact that communication is one of the most important issues. A proper communication channel is a deciding factor between a successful company and an unsuccessful company. Ineffective communication between the management and employees can lead to frustration amongst employees, feeling unacknowledged, misunderstood, morale declines, etc.
Why are good communication skills so important?
Good communication skills are the basis on which one can achieve productivity and engagement at all levels of an organization. All the employees who are putting their time and energy into the company build trust because of clear communication. And every individual who can converse efficiently with their colleagues, managers and customers is considered valuable assets for every company. Good communication skills benefit a company by:
- Increasing employee engagement
- Helping build a positive workplace culture
- Improving customer relationships
- Increasing performance and productivity
Why is workplace communication so often ineffective or poor?
As we discussed in the above points, good communication helps in building trust and creating positive workspace culture. Conversely, poor communication can lead to confusion and lack of motivation amongst employees. The following reasons explain, why workspace communication is often infective or poor:
- The communication is not personalized.
- Communication lacks a plan.
- The communication is not interactive.
- The communication is not well-timed.
Techniques to Improve Communication Skills:
- Active Listening or Developing Listening Skills
Communication is not just getting your message across, but it’s like a two-way street. You have to actively listen to what another person is trying to convey. If you just put your points forward and ignoring other’s opinions, then it can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Give full attention to any conversation and ask questions whenever required. - Understand Your Communication Techniques
Speaking your mind out doesn’t guarantee that your message has been received by the other person. Your body language and the tonality of your words have a bigger impact on effective communication. So, throughout your conversation, be relaxed with your facial expression and stance. Don’t make the mistake of crossing your arms over your as it can portray a defensive posture. And while presenting your message, make eye contact and smile whenever appropriate. - Understanding the Needs of The Listener
Whether you are dealing with one employee or a group of them, make sure that you are giving your full attention. Don’t be aggressive if they make any mistake, rather be calm and try to understand the situation. Always try to read the behavior of listeners, and accordingly choose the words, which don’t bring their morale down or impact the state of mind. Showing empathy towards your subordinates is one of the most important leadership skills to acquire. - Create A Communication-Friendly Workplace Culture
If any company wants to grow exponentially, then it needs to develop a communication-friendly workplace culture. Giving your team with right communication tools is not enough. The environment should be safe so that employees feel free to share their ideas and provide constructive feedback no matter the hierarchy. A workplace where employees know how to communicate will be more relaxed and perform better. - Back-Up Words with Actions
In communication, we share information with each other. Now, as a leader, you need to be clear when it comes to explaining your thoughts and ideas. Delegating the information is not the only task. You need to back it up with actions as well. As a leader, you need to inspire your subordinate and make them educate about any project at hand. Plan your script ahead of any important meeting. Prepare for all the questions related to the project and solve the issues with modest and informative answers. - Explain Why You’re Asking for Something
While delegating work to your subordinate, make sure that you are explaining why you’re asking for something. You need to be precise with your communication without sounding condescending. Explain the importance of the task subtly and positively. By doing so, you are opening up a channel of communication where the employees can ask any question about the project at hand. - Don’t Make Assumptions
When it comes to quality communication in the workplace, there are no bigger roadblocks than missed signals and assumptions. If a particular employee is not able to perform well in a task you want him to excel, then don’t form any assumptions about his capabilities. Try to communicate with the employee and learn about their difficulties in their work. Be open-minded when it comes to solving employee problems. - Cater to Strengths and Weaknesses
You can identify the strengths and weaknesses of team members by observing their working patterns throughout the months. Some employees might be strong in doing work in segmented blocks, whereas some might give their best in concentrated bursts. Depending on an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, modify your communication style in the workplace. If your employees are facing difficulties in handling multiple projects, then you can enroll them in project management courses. - Provide Communication Training Courses
To make your team learn effective communication skills, you can hire the services of experts to train your team. These training courses will help you in building comradery amongst fellow employees. A communication trainer can observe the communication style in the company and can help to make it more effective. This has a direct effect on the cooperation and performance of the employees.
Final Thoughts:
The above-mentioned techniques will help you to understand the dynamics of effective communication in your company and how you can make changes in it. With the right tools, you can reach a diverse and dispersed workforce with ease.
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