Imagine being the top-performing member of the sales team in your office. You’ve got it all together, hitting top numbers every month, so your manager promotes you to lead the marketing unit. But as soon as you enter the conference room to conduct an initial meeting, you realize that your sales tactics for communication aren’t effective on your colleagues and in fact, the meeting is full of disagreements and misunderstandings.
Talking to people has always been your *thing*, so you think, “What could I be doing wrong?”
News flash: It’s not entirely your fault. At least, not in the way you think.
This is the dilemma being faced by many managers and workplace leaders. It is easy to get lost in translation in a fast-paced environment that thrives on deadlines and last-minute memos. Learning how to effectively cultivate a collaborative team requires an entirely different skillset, and one that not every new leader has been appropriately prepared for.
They say that communication is the key, but what people need to realize is the part following this: comprehension. To achieve this, cultivating the proper communication skills must first take place.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can harness effective communication skills to enhance collaboration, productivity, and success in the workplace. We’ll also cover why cultivating these skills is necessary not only for dealing with your colleagues but also for maintaining healthy relationships at home and in the community. By the end of this discussion, you are expected to be aware of communication loopholes and identify areas for improvement.
Understanding Communication in the Work Setting
There are various things that constitute workplace communication. Anything related to emails, memos, team meetings, presentations, phone calls, video conferences, and one-on-one conversations qualifies as work-related communication.
Workplace communication is further segmented into three types: verbal, non-verbal, and written.
Verbal communication involves using words to convey information, ideas, or feelings, while nonverbal communication refers to messages conveyed through body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions. Meanwhile, written communication includes emails, memos, reports, and other written documents.
Since the main point of workplace communications is to collaborate on profitable pursuits, you are expected to pitch in, convey your ideas, disagree on what you believe doesn’t add to the company’s goals, and even provide feedback. But while you’re at it, you’re also expected to consider the right skills to communicate your thoughts effectively, account for people’s feelings, and hear back from those you interact with. Who knew there was so much going on in your head during those meetings you dread?
How Effective Communication Skills Impact Workplace Dynamics
The 2020 report conducted by Connected Culture revealed that 71% of employees agree that their productivity is a result of being well-connected with their colleagues. And the numbers don’t lie. Even in the pre-pandemic onsite working setup, many employees claim that the healthy dynamics created by consistent communications have improved their task management.
Another way that effective communication positively impacts workplace dynamics is when it helps build better relationships between employees, managers, and teams. When employees feel heard, understood, and respected, they are more likely to be satisfied with their job and work environment. This further reduces the likelihood of resignation among tenured employees. In fact, according to the 2019 study conducted by Dynamic Signal, 63% of employees surveyed have considered quitting their jobs because of poor workplace communication.
Recent research also supports that facilitating positive work dynamics through effective communication between colleagues improves domestic relationships. Therefore, if you are looking to strike that perfect work-life balance with a special someone, starting to brush up on your communication skills in your workplace is a great start!
One clear indication of active listening is when both of you share a good laugh over a lighthearted topic at work.
Essential Communication Skills to Harness in the Workplace
Since conversations and other social interactions are inherent human tendencies, it’s easy to participate in an exchange without noticing potential weaknesses.
Below are some key communication elements and skills that can contribute to better office dynamics.
Active listening
Effective communication requires active listening, which means giving your full attention to the speaker and trying to understand their message.
Clarity
Clear communication means that the message is expressed in a way that is easy to understand and free from ambiguity.
Tone
The tone is important because it conveys the emotional content of a message. Using the appropriate tone can help to convey the intended message and prevent misunderstandings.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These cues can convey emotions and attitudes that are not expressed through words.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Effective communication requires empathy because it helps to build rapport and trust between the speaker and the listener.
Feedback
Feedback is an important part of effective communication because it lets the speaker know if their message was received and understood.
Adapting to Audience
It’s important to adapt the communication style to the audience to ensure that the message is conveyed effectively. This includes considering factors such as the listener’s knowledge level, culture, and language.
Conclusion
Effective communication skills are crucial for shaping workplace dynamics and improving or creating a happier employee. More than just promoting better collaboration and increased productivity, they also help resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships in the workplace and at home.
By contrast, poor communication can lead to a range of problems that can undermine the success of any organization. Therefore, it is essential for managers and employees alike to develop and practice effective communication skills. By doing so, they ensure success in careers, families, and peer relationships.
If you’re interested to learn more about optimizing communications in your workplace, you can message me to book a consultation.
Comments