Job requirements for different occupations will vary but one requirement that you will often see is the requirement to have communication skills, whether it says effective communication skills or positive communication skills, it is often included. These communication skills that are being asked of referring to communication about things that have to deal with work. Communication is vital in many cases that involve working in a partnership or a group. For example, Finding real estate with potential roommates also requires communication skills. 

Knowing how to effectively communicate at work can help reduce miscommunication, but it doesn’t eliminate conflicts that could arise. Knowing how to communicate with a co-worker by learning their red and green communication flags helps determine how to navigate the conflict between the two.

3 Red Flags to Determine Your Co-workers’ Communication Skills:

Dismissive of Issue:

This co-worker shows little to no consideration of the incident and is unwilling to discuss the conflict. If this is something you have to deal with just take a step back. If they are unwilling to speak on it at that current time, give them a moment to process the situation. Hopefully, after some time they will come around to discuss.

Unwilling to Discuss:

Even though a conversation may eliminate the problem, your co-worker is still not willing to discuss what went wrong. When they do find the will to discuss they tend to lie. Instead of dismissing their lies, try to forgive them. Find out why they’d rather not discuss the conflict at hand and instead lie. 

Defensive:

You brought up to your co-worker the issue but they feel like you are criticizing them. They don’t see what needs to be changed and are unwilling to make those changes. Don’t shut out your co-worker just yet, actively listen and hear them out. You can then try to find out why they are feeling a certain way.

Having red flags shows that your co-worker is not good with communication and has no intentions to resolve the conflict.

3 Green Flags to Determine Your Co-workers’ Communication Skills:

Acknowledge the Problem:

You and your co-worker recognize where the situation went wrong. Without dismissing the issue you both can express your feelings and talk through it.

Open Communication:

Open communication allows you and your coworker to openly express your thoughts on the situation. Now you both have facilitated an effective conversation with no hidden agenda.

Willing to Compromise:

By coming to a compromise, you and your co-worker have discussed and evaluated both sides of the argument. You can reach this approach by listing out possible solutions to the conflict and agreeing upon a solution that benefits both parties.

Recognizing a co-worker with green flags proves that they have healthy communication skills and are willing to resolve a conflict that may come up in the workplace.

Having conflicts within the workspace can be unfortunate, but it’s human. Not everyone will enjoy the same ideas. With many working remotely, maybe they didn’t understand the tone of your email. To continue to learn how to navigate conflicts within the workforce, check out this infographic below showcasing more red and green flags that your co-worker could possess.