By Sarah Stevens, Human Resources Consultant, AmeriBen/IEC Group
The survey also found that written and oral communications skills, including public speaking and the ability to get along with others, are main determinates in job success. However, many business do not give communication skills the attention they deserve. Rarely do employees receive training on this topic. Let this article serve as a much needed training. Below are communication skills that everyone should strive to possess:
1. Listen carefully. Many people think listening is a passive "thing" that happens to us. In actuality, listening takes time, effort, energy and focus. A good listener is present and can repeat back what they have just heard with no problem recalling the message.
2. Communicate clearly and assertively. It's important you know what you want to communicate and you deliver your message with confidence. A good communicator is always courteous and respectful, but knows how to clearly communicate their message in a direct manner.
3. Give positive feedback. We often forget to let co-workers know when they are doing a good job. Recognizing co-workers goes a long way to building a good working relationship. However, the compliment should always be sincere.
4. Manage conflict effectively. Remember, conflict is not the problem - it's how conflict is managed that creates problems. If your intent is to "win" the conflict then you are not managing conflict towards a mutually successful resolution. It's important to compromise and to approach conflict from a collaborative perspective.
5. Educate without arrogance. A good communicator never makes their listener feel like they just left the principal's office. A good communicator educates the listener with the goal of informing the listener in a humble or matter of fact manner - not in a condescending, conceited, preachy or superior manner.
6. Build Rapport. A good communicator knows how to connect with others. They know the importance of a firm handshake, eye contact, making casual conversation, asking questions, etc. They mean what they say, and they are able to express a genuine interest in others.
7. Know your audience. A good communicator adapts their message to their audience. They recognize their listener's needs and tailor their messages to fit those needs.
8. Be congruent in tone, nonverbal communication skills and words. Make sure your body language and tone of voice matches the message you are trying to convey. If there is not a match between these you will only confuse the listener.
9. Select your words carefully. How you say something is as important as what you say. Select words that accurately communicate your message.
10. Remove distracting barriers. A good communicator is aware of external distractions that may prevent them from hearing a message and works to remove those barriers. Distracting barriers could include noise, doodling, fidgeting with materials, texting, emails, etc.
Communication is the heart of every organization. It is important to remember that everything we do in the workplace results from communication and that the ability to communicate effectively with people directly determines one's success in their professional and personal lives.
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