8 tips for better communication in the workplace _ al

4
( http://fra1.ib.adnxs.com /click?UTrC2F3Htz9ROsLYXce3PwrXo3A9Crc_UTrC2F3Htz9ROsLYXce3P3oiSp- 9zeM2LVZBOT0FnWjKT_tUAAAAAJ4UDgAdAgAAHQIAAAIAAAALdMEASHkDAAAAAQBVU0QAVVNEANgCWgD5LwAA7dkAAgQAAQIAAAA /cnd=%21nQa0Pgip6fABEIvohQYYyPINIAQ./referrer=http%3A%2F %2Fwww.al.com%2Fbusiness%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F03%2F8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html%3F__scoop_post%3D05709770- c18a-11e4-df78-90b11c3998fc%26__scoop_topic%3D3296902/clickenc=http%3A%2F %2Faffiliate.affyield.com%2Frd%2Fr.php%3Fsid%3D2427%26pub%3D270453%26c1%3Dfra1CK2shcrTp8HOaBACGPrEqPrZt_PxNiIOOD 2nBQ..%26c2%3D%26c3%3D ) ( http://ads.al.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.al.com/business/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html/1452877071/Tower/ALABAMALIVE/default/empty.gif /576169546f3154375437304142367458 ) (http://www.al.com/) Alabama Menu Set Weather Search Sign In Subscribe 0 com m ents Print ( http://blog.al.com/business_impact/print.html?entry=/2015/03 /8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html ) ( http://ads.al.com/RealMedia /ads/click_lx.ads/www.al.com /business/2015/03 /8_tips_for_better_communicatio.ht/1713072817/StoryAd /ALABAMALIVE/default /empty.gif /576169546f3154375437304142367458 ( http://connect.al.com/user/MichellePowell/index.html ) By Michelle@MondayMemos ( http://connect.al.com/user/MichellePowell/posts.html ) Follow on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/promanner ) on March 02, 2015 at 10:57 AM, updated March 02, 2015 at 10:58 AM I strongly believe that the best way to develop a good relationship with anyone begins with the ability to have a good conversation. That is, after all, how we connect - through communication. It may seem like an obvious point, however, possessing good conversation skills comes with conscious effort, practice, sincerity and the ability to pick up on the cues of others. Too often, what goes wrong in a relationship - or a specific encounter - is based on what comes out of our mouths...or doesn't get said at all! Forming relationships cannot be accomplished without communication. Exactly how one communicates, however, sets the tone for the relationship. In a business environment where changing or ending a relationship can sometimes be harder than in personal life, even more effort is required to make certain that attention is given to proper form, language and tone. Saying something without giving thought to how it may be received can be hazardous (even to one's career) and can send a relationship spiraling downward. Employee Appreciation Day falls on March 6 th this year. But rather than talk about how to say thank you with flowers, token speeches or team lunches, I'd rather share how best to show appreciation - and more importantly, respect - on a daily basis. Some of the best places to work are those where team members get along well. Notwithstanding other factors, it comes as no surprise that these teams have proven to be more productive with greater company loyalty and job satisfaction. Communication across all levels is key; this, however, is not simply referring to routine information dissemination. Team members report a higher level of engagement and morale when daily interactions (including small talk) are cordial and respectful, especially coming from leadership. Some of the best lessons I've learned from those in leadership is their style of personal communication. No matter the message, they have a way of engaging their audience that leads to buy-in and cooperation when it really matters. Here are a few of those lessons on conversation skills: Listen more, talk less. This is your best weapon against misunderstandings and potentially grave errors. No matter how busy you are, take the time to really listen and you will avoid problems later. Others feel slighted when you do not give your full attention, which can hinder the relationship moving forward. You may be met with a lack of interest or cooperation when it is your turn to be heard. Poor listening can also result in costly mistakes that impact the organization's reputation or bottom line. Compliment others. Everyone appreciates knowing that they are performing well and that someone noticed. And who doesn't like a compliment about choice of style. Just be sure that in response to a compliment received that you do not ramble; a simple "thank you" will suffice. Be mindful not to insult the compliment giver by rejecting the compliment - essentially telling the person that he or she is lying or has poor judgment. Yikes! Graciously accept the praise and move on. And note that one compliment does not automatically deserve another. Share compliments freely and sincerely when they are deserved. Tweet 14 15 Share Share 0 Reddit See who'sOn the M ove in business (http://blog.al.com /upda /2012/09 /on the m ove in alabam a bus Read and post businesspress releases (http://blog.al.com / press-releases/) Sign up forfree daily businessnew sem ails (http://w w w.al.com /new sletters/) ( http://ads.al.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads /www.al.com/business/2015/03 /8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html/2054711294 /SecSponsor/ALABAMALIVE/default/empty.gif /576169546f3154375437304142367458 ) New 'Skinny' Pill Takes The UK... 1 Fruit That Fights Diabetes How To Make Any Woman Obsess Over Woman Loses Over 80Pounds Before ads Businessresources M ostRead Tuskegee, Albany State cheerleaders sent home after fight at SIAC tournament (video) (http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03 /tuskegee_albany_state_cheerlea.html#incart_most- read_business_article) Jeffco home invasion suspect poured rubbing alcohol down throat of his 93-year-old grandmother (http://www.al.com /news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/03 /jeffco_home_invasion_suspect_p.html#incart_most- read_business_article) Harper Lee appears to be fully lucid: She just told me to 'go away' via snail mail (http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf /2015/03 /harper_lee_appears_to_be_fully.html#incart_most- read_business_article) 9 players have left Auburn's 8 tips for better communication in the workplace | AL.com http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_commun... 1 of 4 3/7/2015 7:22 PM

Upload: sarfraz-ali

Post on 16-Nov-2015

8 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

Better communication

TRANSCRIPT

  • (http://fra1.ib.adnxs.com/click?UTrC2F3Htz9ROsLYXce3PwrXo3A9Crc_UTrC2F3Htz9ROsLYXce3P3oiSp-

    9zeM2LVZBOT0FnWjKT_tUAAAAAJ4UDgAdAgAAHQIAAAIAAAALdMEASHkDAAAAAQBVU0QAVVNEANgCWgD5LwAA7dkAAgQAAQIAAAA/cnd=%21nQa0Pgip6fABEIvohQYYyPINIAQ./referrer=http%3A%2F

    %2Fwww.al.com%2Fbusiness%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F03%2F8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html%3F__scoop_post%3D05709770-c18a-11e4-df78-90b11c3998fc%26__scoop_topic%3D3296902/clickenc=http%3A%2F

    %2Faffiliate.affyield.com%2Frd%2Fr.php%3Fsid%3D2427%26pub%3D270453%26c1%3Dfra1CK2shcrTp8HOaBACGPrEqPrZt_PxNiIOOD2nBQ..%26c2%3D%26c3%3D)

    (http://ads.al.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.al.com/business/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html/1452877071/Tower/ALABAMALIVE/default/empty.gif/576169546f3154375437304142367458) (http://www.al.com/)

    AlabamaMenu Set WeatherSearchSign In

    Subscribe

    0com m ents

    Print (http://blog.al.com/business_impact/print.html?entry=/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html)

    (http://ads.al.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.al.com/business/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_communicatio.htm/1713072817/StoryAd/ALABAMALIVE/default/empty.gif/576169546f3154375437304142367458

    (http://connect.al.com/user/MichellePowell/index.html) By Michelle@MondayMemos(http://connect.al.com/user/MichellePowell/posts.html)Follow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/promanner)

    on March 02, 2015 at 10:57 AM, updated March 02, 2015 at 10:58 AM

    I strongly believe that the best way to develop a good relationship with anyone begins

    with the ability to have a good conversation. That is, after all, how we connect - through

    communication.

    It may seem like an obvious point, however, possessing good conversation skills comes

    with conscious effort, practice, sincerity and the ability to pick up on the cues of others.

    Too often, what goes wrong in a relationship - or a specific encounter - is based on what

    comes out of our mouths...or doesn't get said at all!

    Forming relationships cannot be accomplished without communication. Exactly how

    one communicates, however, sets the tone for the relationship. In a business

    environment where changing or ending a relationship can sometimes be harder than in

    personal life, even more effort is required to make certain that attention is given to

    proper form, language and tone.

    Saying something without giving thought to how it may be received can be hazardous

    (even to one's career) and can send a relationship spiraling downward.

    Employee Appreciation Day falls on March 6th this year. But rather than talk about

    how to say thank you with flowers, token speeches or team lunches, I'd rather share

    how best to show appreciation - and more importantly, respect - on a daily basis.

    Some of the best places to work are those where team members get along well.

    Notwithstanding other factors, it comes as no surprise that these teams have proven to

    be more productive with greater company loyalty and job satisfaction. Communication

    across all levels is key; this, however, is not simply referring to routine information

    dissemination.

    Team members report a higher level of engagement and morale when daily interactions

    (including small talk) are cordial and respectful, especially coming from leadership.

    Some of the best lessons I've learned from those in leadership is their style of personal

    communication. No matter the message, they have a way of engaging their audience

    that leads to buy-in and cooperation when it really matters. Here are a few of those

    lessons on conversation skills:

    Listen more, talk less. This is your best weapon against misunderstandings and

    potentially grave errors. No matter how busy you are, take the time to really listen and

    you will avoid problems later. Others feel slighted when you do not give your full

    attention, which can hinder the relationship moving forward. You may be met with a

    lack of interest or cooperation when it is your turn to be heard. Poor listening can also

    result in costly mistakes that impact the organization's reputation or bottom line.

    Compliment others. Everyone appreciates knowing that they are performing well

    and that someone noticed. And who doesn't like a compliment about choice of style.

    Just be sure that in response to a compliment received that you do not ramble; a simple

    "thank you" will suffice. Be mindful not to insult the compliment giver by rejecting the

    compliment - essentially telling the person that he or she is lying or has poor judgment.

    Yikes! Graciously accept the praise and move on. And note that one compliment does

    not automatically deserve another. Share compliments freely and sincerely when they

    are deserved.

    Tweet

    14

    15

    ShareShare

    0

    Reddit

    See w ho's On theM ove in business(http://blog.al.com /upda/2012/09

    /on the m ove in alabam a bus

    Read and postbusiness pressreleases(http://blog.al.com

    /press-releases/)

    Sign up for free dailybusiness new s em ails(http://w w w.al.com/new sletters/)

    (http://ads.al.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.al.com/business/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html/2054711294/SecSponsor/ALABAMALIVE/default/empty.gif/576169546f3154375437304142367458)

    New 'Skinny' Pill TakesThe UK...

    1 Fruit That FightsDiabetes

    How To Make AnyWoman Obsess Over

    Woman Loses Over80Pounds Before ads

    Business resources

    M ost Read

    Tuskegee, Albany Statecheerleaders sent home afterfight at SIAC tournament(video)

    (http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/tuskegee_albany_state_cheerlea.html#incart_most-read_business_article)

    Jeffco home invasionsuspect poured rubbingalcohol down throat of his93-year-old grandmother

    (http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/03/jeffco_home_invasion_suspect_p.html#incart_most-read_business_article)

    Harper Lee appears to befully lucid: She just told meto 'go away' via snail mail

    (http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03

    /harper_lee_appears_to_be_fully.html#incart_most-read_business_article)

    9 players have left Auburn's

    8 tips for better communication in the workplace | AL.com http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_commun...

    1 of 4 3/7/2015 7:22 PM

  • Inform ation W atch Auburn

    Resist arguing. Every individual has a difference of opinion from others occasionally.

    And sometimes the facts may be on your side. However, the way in which you express

    your disagreement is crucial. You may (calmly) debate the accuracy of facts with the

    intent of seeking to resolve an issue. Arguments, however, stem from emotional

    responses which can quickly veer out of control and end up in personal attacks. Stating

    your difference of opinion (or fact) in a composed mannerly way is more likely to be

    heard than an impassioned response that makes you look out of control. Sometimes

    and immediate response is not even necessary. Take the time to think clearly and

    present your case, either in conversation or in writing.

    Know when to apologize. We all make mistakes. But to cover it up is the greater sin.

    And it is in poor taste, especially when confronted. Ladies, we have an easier time

    apologizing than men do (statistically, not mere opinion). The key, however, is knowing

    when an apology is needed. It should by no means be a part of your regular

    communication style to apologize for insignificant things, which shows a lack of

    confidence and undermines your position as a leader and effective communicator. And

    remember, a sincere apology never comes with excuses or a justification.

    Shun gossip. It is easy to get lured into office gossip, especially when there is fear in

    uncertain times or someone leaves the company very unexpectedly. Then there is the

    kind of gossip that is just personal slander. Both are to be avoided like the plague. A

    not-so distant cousin to gossip is complaining, which usually invites gossip to the

    conversation. Always present legitimate concerns in proper form with the proper

    audience. Take time to consider who that may be as well as your method and timing of

    communication for best results. The old "misery loves company" will only look bad on

    you and can backfire if your audience and gossiping partner betrays your confidence.

    Share the spotlight. Small talk is a part of work and social life. Be careful not to talk

    too long about yourself. If your only goal is to have others impressed by you, then they

    probably won't be! Show sincere interest in your conversion partner by asking

    open-ended questions and attentively listening - with eyes and ears. And though it may

    be tempting to jump into their story to share a time when you had a similar experience,

    exercise restraint. Only share your account when it is really relevant, perhaps helpful in

    problem-solving. The same goes for meetings; share the floor.

    Connect with your audience. Don't use complex or unfamiliar terminology

    unnecessarily and never without an explanation. You may be perceived as

    show-boating or simply out of touch with your audience; talk on their level. This is

    especially important when attending a social networking event where people are

    gathered from multiple industries. Your use of acronyms and jargon may disconnect

    you with your audience and will impede an otherwise valuable exchange.

    Be diplomatic. Always use tactful language and a respectful tone. No matter the issue,

    all things can and should be presented in the most respectful way. Avoid words that

    sound like belittling or in some form a personal attack. Diplomacy is critical to

    maintaining healthy work relationships and teamwork.

    Tweet 14 Reddit

    (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F

    %2Fwww.al.com%2Fbusiness%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F03%2F8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html)

    (http://twitter.com/share?url=http%3A%2F

    %2Fwww.al.com%2Fbusiness%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F03%2F8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html&

    text=8%20tips%20for%20better%20communication%20in%20the%20workplace)

    (mailto:?subject=8%20tips%20for%20better%20communication%20in%20the%20workplace&

    body=http%3A%2F

    %2Fwww.al.com%2Fbusiness%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F03%2F8_tips_for_better_communicatio.html#incart_email_mobile)

    Related Stories

    Real EstateEricka Green Wayland Elliott

    15ShareShare

    (http://adserver.adtechus.com/?adlink/6479/3489191/0/170/AdId=-3;BnId=0;itime=756113076;key=key1%2Bkey2%2Bkey3%2Bkey4;)

    football program sinceJanuary

    (http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/03

    /9_players_have_left_auburns_fo.html#incart_most-read_business_article)

    Central and East Alabamaschool closings and delaysfor Thursday, March 5, 2015

    (http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/03/central_alabama_school_closing.html#incart_most-read_business_article)

    Active Discussions

    See more comments (http://www.al.com/interact/)

    1 With Obama set to speak in Selma,thousands gather to honor 1965marches (http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/with_obama_set_to_speak_selma.html#incart_most-commented_business_article)(89 comments)

    2 Tabling the pop pass proposal andslamming Syracuse shows the NCAA'sstill alive (http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/tabling_the_pop_pass_proposal.html#incart_most-commented_business_article)(69 comments)

    3 I'm embarrassed by Alabama rightnow: Huntsville reader opinion(http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/03/im_embarrassed_by_alabama_righ.html#incart_most-commented_business_article)(184 comments)

    4 Civil rights groups request statewideruling on same-sex marriage in federalcourt (http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/civil_rights_groups_request_st.html#incart_most-commented_business_article)(493 comments)

    5 Cynthia Tucker Haynes: ExplainingSelma to the next generation: guestopinion (http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/03/cynthia_tucker_haynes_explaini.html#incart_most-commented_business_article)(117 comments)

    8 tips for better communication in the workplace | AL.com http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_commun...

    2 of 4 3/7/2015 7:22 PM

  • About Alabama Media Group(http://www.alabamamediagroup.com)Jobs at Alabama Media Group(http://jobs.al.com/careers/company/detail/id/840717/page/jobs)Advertise with us(http://www.alabamamediagroup.com/services/)

    About AL.com(http://www.al.com/aboutus/)Contact Us(http://www.al.com/contactus/)Online Store(https://alonlinestore.com/)

    Subscriber Services(http://www.alabamamediagroup.com/subscriber-services/)

    The Birmingham News (https://member.al.com/Index.aspx?siteCode=BN)The Huntsville Times (https://member.al.com/Index.aspx?siteCode=HT)Press-Register (https://member.al.com/dssSubscribe.aspx?siteCode=rg&pid=9)

    Place an ad (http://www.al.com/placead/)Get home delivery (https://member.al.com/)Promote your event in our calendar(http://myevent.al.com/web/event.php)Send us an email(http://www.alabamamediagroup.com/contact/)Submit a news tip (http://www.al.com/connect/)Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more(https://alonlinestore.com/)

    About Us

    Custom er Service

    News (http://www.al.com/news/)Business(http://www.al.com/business/)Sports(http://www.al.com/sports/)High School Sports(http://highschoolsports.al.com/)Entertainment(http://www.al.com/entertainment/)Living (http://www.al.com/living/)Travel(http://www.al.com/travel/)Opinion(http://www.al.com/opinion/)

    Obituaries(http://www.al.com/deathnotices/)Jobs (http://www.al.com/jobs/)Autos(http://autos.al.com/)Real Estate(http://realestate.al.com/)Apartment Rentals(http://realestate.al.com/for-rent)Classifieds(http://classifieds.al.com/)Shopping Good Deals(http://www.al.com/shopping/)Local Businesses(http://businessfinder.al.com/)

    Anniston/Gadsden(http://www.al.com/anniston-gadsden/)Birmingham(http://www.al.com/birmingham/)Huntsville(http://www.al.com/huntsville/)Mobile(http://www.al.com/mobile/)

    Montgomery(http://www.al.com/montgomery/)Tuscaloosa(http://www.al.com/tuscaloosa/)Gulf Coast Beaches(http://www.al.com/beaches/)

    AL.com Sections

    Your Regional News Pages

    Forums(http://www.al.com/forums/)Videos(http://videos.al.com/)Photos(http://photos.al.com/photogallery/)Interact with us(http://www.al.com/interact/)Weather(http://www.al.com/weather/)

    Post a job(http://www.al.com/jobs/)Post a free classified ad(http://www.al.com/classifieds/free/)Sell your car(http://www.al.com/placead/)Sell/rent your home(http://www.al.com/placead/)Site Map & search(http://search.al.com/)

    The Birmingham News (https://member.al.com/dssSubscribe.aspx?siteCode=The Huntsville Times (https://member.al.com/dssSubscribe.aspx?siteCode=ht&Press-Register (https://member.al.com/dssSubscribe.aspx?siteCode=RG&pidFree newsletters (http://www.al.com/newsletters/)

    M ore on AL.com

    Subscriptions

    Follow UsTwitter (http://www.twitter.com/aldotcom/) |

    Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/aldotcom/)

    |Google+ (https://plus.google.com/109309845541768500709/)

    | Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/aldotcom/) |

    Instagram (http://instagram.com/aldotcompix/)

    (http://w w w.al.com /entertainm ent/#incart_hbx#incart_best-of)Entertainm ent: M ovies, m usic, clubsand m ore (http://w w w.al.com/entertainm ent/#incart_hbx#incart_best-of)

    (http://w w w.al.com /outdoors/#incart_hbx#incart_best-of) W hat'sthe latest from Alabam a Outdoors?(http://w w w.al.com /outdoors/#incart_hbx#incart_best-of)

    (http://videos.al.com/al/index.htm l#incart_hbx#incart_besW atch the latest AL.com videos(http://videos.al.com/al/index.htm l#incart_hbx#incart_bes

    Best of AL.com

    Available For#NOLABoundJasguar Basketball

    (http://w ww.al.com /usa/index.ssf/2015/03/inform ation_available_for_nola.htm l#inc

    basketball's videotribute to its 4seniors

    (http://ww w.al.com /auburnbasketball/index.ssf/2015/03/watch_auburn_basketballs_video.htm l#i

    Newest | Oldest

    Sign in

    0 comments

    Post comment as...

    8 tips for better communication in the workplace | AL.com http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_commun...

    3 of 4 3/7/2015 7:22 PM

  • (http://www.advancedigital.com/)

    Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (http://www.al.com/useragreement/) and Privacy Policy(http://www.al.com/privacypolicy/)

    2015 Alabama Media Group All rights reserved (About Us (http://www.al.com/aboutus/)).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission ofAlabama Media Group

    Community Rules (http://www.al.com/forums/index.ssf?rules.html) apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Contactinteractivity management. (http://www.al.com/contactus/interactivity.ssf)

    Ad Choices (http://www.advance.net/advancedigitalUserAgreementPP/#opt_out)

    On the GoMobile Apps (http://www.al.com/mobile-device/) |Tablet Apps (http://www.al.com/mobile-device/)

    8 tips for better communication in the workplace | AL.com http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/8_tips_for_better_commun...

    4 of 4 3/7/2015 7:22 PM