Communication is necessary in our day to day lives. We use it when we talk to our family, friends, and even with our co-workers. When we communicate, we share ideas, we reach out to others, and we create bonds too. In the workplace, the same thing may happen but miscommunication can also happen too. Some of us tend to shy away from conversing with others, while there are some who use their gift of gab to manipulate others. Unfortunately, these two can become hindrances in the work place which is why you need to learn how to communicate properly to become an effective employee. Sounds good? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Emails
Modern technology has helped us make communication possible wherever we may be. Unfortunately, some of us don’t really utilize it to the fullest especially when it comes to reaching out to our co-workers. Well, using emails does have its perks and one of them is to actually message your entire team without having to leave your stations. Make sure that everyone in your group are included in the email so that you can use it to discuss matters clearly.
Be direct
The problem with communication in the work force is that a lot of people don’t really talk directly. Even bosses tend to be vague with their instructions that employees are left scratching their heads when it comes to breaking down a project’s objective. If you really want to become successful in your work, you need to learn how to speak in a direct manner. You will find that this is much better compared to before plus it limits instances of miscommunication too.
Receptive atmosphere
Another tip that you should consider when it comes to communication at work is to create a more receptive atmosphere. If you are going to talk to your group or even your boss, make sure that they will be more receptive. The problem when you’re talking to someone who is a state of stress or distress is that they might end up becoming irate and your communication won’t work.
Be confident
If you want to bring your message across in the work place, you will need to display confidence in what you are saying. Your boss as well as your team members can easily spot a weakness in the way you deliver your ideas especially when you are hesitant at first. If you don’t want others to dismss you, show confidence in what you do especially when you have an idea that you want to share with your co-workers.
Listen
Communication goes both ways which means that you also need to practice the art of listening. Remember that you are not the only one who should be talking in your group because everyone has a say in the matter. Let others speak and listen carefully before you react. The problem with most of us is that we listen with the intention to react and not just listen. This creates plenty of communication problems in the work force which you can easily avoid if you just listen and wait for the others to finish before reacting or commenting.
Skip repetitions
Another thing that you should remember when it comes to communicating in the workplace is that you should avoid repetition at all times. Your team members will see you as a broken record and will not really believe what you are saying in the long run. If you are going to ask your team to do something, lay it out straight in a clear and concise manner and you’ll find that there is less miscommunication this way.
