Essentials of Communication
One of the most basic things we need to be able to do at work is communicate effectively.
One way to start the communication process is by being candid and self-disclosing. Tell others how you feel about a situation and encourage their feedback.
Many management consultants would say that the successful functioning of a team, department or group is directly related to how effectively the members communicate with one another in group situations.
It seems that almost every organisation could have better communication between managers and staff.
Employees often show concern about the quality and quantity of communication at work.
In a nutshell, effective communications in the workplace are those which enable us to accomplish our goals.
Effective communication can help us play a more productive role. It helps us get greater recognition for the tasks we accomplish, and ultimately, it can help those around us communicate better. In general, positive communication leads to a more productive workplace.
Over time, communication, or lack of communication, tends to be blamed for nearly every negative that a company experiences.
And there is no doubt that ineffective communication does cause problems. It often results in poor co-operation and co-ordination, lower productivity, undercurrents of tension, gossip and rumours, and increased staff turnover and absenteeism.
Some workers claim that management gives only lip service to open communication but does little to really communicate with them.
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Others contend their organisations believe that posting notices on bulletin boards and sending out memos provide adequate communication. Still others say that they receive vague instructions that are difficult to follow. |
Verbal interactive communication involves the two parties exchanging information using a common spoken language. This may be done by speaking to a person face to face, using a radio or a telephone. They must pass on clear, precise messages and listen carefully to each other.
It might be very basic, but two of the real fundamentals in communication are to listen well and to speak clearly.
- Skilful listening makes other people feel heard, and it also ensures that you're getting authentic, good quality information and are making deeper and more positive connections with others. Poor listening happens often, and results in miscommunications and misunderstandings.
- Speaking too quickly can make it difficult for people to understand what it is you are trying to communicate. Similarly, speaking too slowly or speaking in a very individual manner that other people are not familiar with, can create communication barriers.
Generally, people want to feel heard more than they care about whether you agree with them. It's strange how many people complain about others not hearing them, yet they don't listen to others either!
Of course, what someone says and what we hear can be amazingly different! Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. A good technique when listening, is to repeat back or summarise to ensure that you understand. Restate what you think you heard and ask, "Have I understood you correctly?" This is active listening.
To listen actively, you need to make eye contact and watch for non-verbal clues. Other tips for good listening include:
- Think of the other person’s point of view (empathise);
- Take notes if required;
- Don’t interrupt, ask questions only when the other person has finished making his or her point;
- Ask questions to check your understanding; and
- Provide feedback.
Non-verbal communication messages can be expressed with gestures, facial expressions, signs, signals and other methods. These can be important ways to communicate in some circumstances.
