It’s a harsh reality – we’re not always going to get along with everyone in our lives, and unfortunately, that includes our co-workers.
Even if you don’t agree with your co-workers’ opinions, how they communicate, or what they’re saying, learning how to communicate effectively and deliberately is a huge determining factor in your success as an employee. As an executive coach who helps women find their voice in the workplace, communicating effectively is the top problem that holds most of my clients back.
I see it time and time again: as much as we’d like to entirely avoid chatting with some co-workers (you’re probably listing off a few in your head right now), realistically, we need to be able to communicate effectively and often with the people in our working environment.
Often though, that’s easier said than done.
Whether you’re a manager and a person of authority, or a part of the staffing team, communicating effectively is vital. Here are a few of the most important steps you can take to become a better communicator in your workplace.
Set a Goal
Before you address the person you plan to communicate with, ask yourself a simple question: what do I want them to get from this conversation? Then, deliver a line of communication that directly accomplishes that.
Be Direct
This one often surprises employees, but it’s one of the most critical parts of communicating effectively. Sugar coating, beating-around-the-bush, and being vague are some of the biggest problems with the way people communicate in an office setting. If you want to communicate better with your employer, fellow employees, or the staff working under you, just be direct. Say what you mean, explain it in detail, and forgo being vague. Now, by being direct we don’t mean be rude or mean, but we do mean that you should work toward being straightforward and honest.
Encourage a Receptive Atmosphere
If you can help to encourage an atmosphere that allows for questions, comments, and concerns, you’re going to be on your way to creating a workplace that communicates more effectively. Too often, employees feel that their environment isn’t conducive for questions or comments, making communication hard for everyone. But if you openly encourage a receptive atmosphere, have an open-door policy (if you’re in a position of management or not), and are willing to discuss your thoughts and feelings with your coworkers, managers, and more, you’re on your way to communicating far more effectively.
Adjust Your Body Language
Your body language has a lot to do with communication. If you want to communicate effectively in the workplace, sit up straight when you talk with your coworkers or employees. Shake hands. Make eye contact. Smile. Uncross your arms. By showing that you’re invested in what you’re saying or what you’re hearing, you can often make a huge difference in the way your communication is received.
Watch Your Tone of Voice
Make a conscious effort to monitor the tone of your voice, especially if you’re dealing with coworkers that you’re not particularly fond of. Often, how you truly feel is all over the tone of your voice, despite how polite your actual words are. If you want to communicate effectively, ensure the tone of your voice is spot-on so as to not discourage, upset, or demean the people you’re speaking to.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do you understand what your coworker or employer just said to you? If not, let them know. Stop being afraid that you’re going to appear stupid. Not asking questions is the biggest recipe for disaster you could ask for because often, the person who’s unsure will end up making mistakes, and mistakes are a direct result of miscommunication. If you’re not clear on something, ask! If you want something repeated, ask! If you want a better idea of what your coworker is talking about, ask! This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your lines of communication are clear.
Make an Effort to Be Articulate
Even though you might fully grasp what you’re saying, make an extra effort to be more articulate when you communicate with other people. We don’t mean that you should talk down or alter your vocabulary, just that you should ensure you’re speaking clearly, not mumbling, and using words that are easy for everyone to understand. Don’t try to complicate what you’re saying. Be deliberate and simple with how you say what you say and ensure before you finish your conversation that you were articulate enough for the person you were having the conversation with to fully understand you.
Be Honest
Being articulate, monitoring your tone of voice, and adjusting your body language shouldn’t translate to you not being honest about your opinions and thoughts. Always be direct, straightforward, and honest, but do so in a conducive way that doesn’t leave anyone feeling like you’re forcing your opinion on them. Be thoughtful and direct with what you say and ensure that you’re always backing your own opinions, but don’t demean or discourage others who might not share your opinions.
Communication is about much more than just keeping your mouth shut when your coworker says something that offends you and it’s about more than just telling Karen in HR that you need her files submitted by the end of the workday. Instead, communication is what makes an office thrive, what promotes good work, and what shows signs of a promising leader. Good communication is vital for the advancement of your career.
As you work to communicate effectively with your coworkers, managers, and continue to climb the career ladder, keep these tips in mind. If you value moving up in your organization, consider communication the most important leadership skill you’ll ever develop.
About the Author | April B Benson is an executive coach specializing in corporate communications and crucial conversations. Certified in Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory and Social Emotional Intelligence, she helps clients find and use their voices in the workplace. Leveraging her coaching tools and years of experience, April equips women to verbalize their thoughts and ideas, stand up for themselves and manage confrontation. Visit April online at www.aprilbbenson.com.
