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[E135]Effective Communication In The Workplace

by Alan Gillies, Ala

How would you go about putting together a jig-saw puzzle if you were only given the pieces and not the complete picture of what it was supposed to look like when finished? This is what happens when communication falls apart. Even if you've got the necessary information, you still can't reach a complete end result.

In this era when everyone is pushing the outer limits with their personal time, precise and short communication is the key to unlocking the benefits of anonymity.

Imagine the feeling you would experience if you were no longer required to recite the same statements over and over again! Imagine if all of your employees got what you said at the drop of a hat! Yes, that's the power of effective communication. Letters and words - when painstakingly chosen, can turn your company around more rapidly than you can imagine. There is absolutely no doubt that listening and giving your attention to non-verbal cues comprises a significant part of interpersonal communication, but why not also work toward speaking with accuracy - sprinkled with charisma and magic, so that listeners can do nothing but follow and do as they're told.

Be as clear in what you say as possible, and don't leave any guess work for the listener. Any unclear aspects of your conversation stand equal chances of being understood or misunderstood entirely, so even if it's a supplier you've been dealing with for ages, don't rely on what you think should be 'obvious'. At the very minimum, what should be done in situations like these is to create a document that outlines all of the mutually 'understood' aspects, which you can then get the other person to agree to verbally - and if possible, sign it as well. Any new clause that you plan on introducing into the current agreement should be delivered to your partner as quickly as possible for their own individual consideration, and if both parties agree, add a written amendment with the place and time when the new clause becomes binding.

Dealing with internal and external customers also follows a similar plan. The employees (internal customers) should be given an exact position which they're to strive to reach. This should be stated in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Besides this, a career plan for each of them should be clearly charted out and broken down into an unmistakable time-line. Supplement this process with technological solutions to save time when transferring information. Motivate and train your employees to communicate effectively while preparing the reporting hierarchy (i.e. who is to report to whom). This will help them to see a much more encompassing picture of the company and pave the way for all sorts of long term benefits for your enterprise.

Last - but never the least, always 'Keep Your Word'.

Copyright (c) 2009 Alan Gillies

Effective communication in the workplace is necessary for a friendly and conducive work environment. When people do not communicate effectively, their productivity decreases and everyone gets stressed. Below are some common problems that prevent effective communication. These can be overcome by simply minimizing them or even eliminating them. Realize that when these things are dealt with, the organization can function more efficiently, and the work environment is much more pleasant for everyone.

1. Sarcasm. A sarcastic remark is one that may seem positive superficially, but underneath, it really means the opposite. This makes others angry and resentful of you. When someone delivers a sarcastic remark directed at you, instead of delivering one back, try to confront the person. Do this when nobody else is present. A matter such as this is private and does not need to be turned into a big scene. Respectfully inquire the reason for such a remark. Address the issue and communicate your feelings regarding the sarcasm. Do this in a respectful manner. There is nothing that cannot be resolved peacefully.

2. Gossip. In most workplaces and organizations, gossip is very common. This happens when a detail about someone becomes a topic of conversation for other people in the organization other than the person that is the subject of the gossip. In dealing with this, it is helpful to address the person concerned. Try to ignore it and not lash out in anger. Gossips will eventually die down and disappear. There is no use in getting angry. There is also no use in talking to each person and confronting them about their gossiping. Remember, what happens with your life is not the business of other people. It would be best to keep it that way.

3. Tantrums. Stress and frustration can sometimes lead someone to lash out in anger. They can suddenly shout at you or treat you with disrespect. When this happens, walk away. Take some time away from the angry person. Give him time to cool down and come back to their senses. Forcing an issue with an angry person will just aggravate the situation. Nothing good will come of it.

4. Self-centeredness. Some people think that their life is more important than other people's. They act with complete disregard for your needs and personal space. When this happens, pull that person aside and explain to him how the situation will not work out for both of you. Try to make them see how it would look if they were in the shoes of the person whose feelings are being disregarded. Do this respectfully. Treat the other person as an adult. Try to resolve the issue privately.

These situations highlight how effective communication is very important in almost all settings. Any organization or relations can be made more productive by effective communication. It is important to deal with other people with respect for their abilities, personal space and self-worth.

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Both Alan Gillies & Robert Johannsen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alan Gillies has sinced written about articles on various topics from About Branding, Fitness and Marketing and Communications. Alan Gillies is the Managing Director of the L2L Group. He specialises in supplying Executive Coaching, Training and Consultancy Services to International Businesses across the World. Want to find out more about these comprehensive business building succe. Alan Gillies's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.

Robert Johannsen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Dating and Romance. . Robert Johannsen's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.