A workplace thrives on communication and everything breaks down to the minute levels of communication. I am talking about only work-related communications and not water-cooler conversations. Even though communication is more of a reflex action, more often we simply communicate without giving a thought. Sometimes communications are misconstrued and this leads to misunderstanding. Thus, it is important that we communicate with our mind rather than just resorting to conversation without proper channelling of thoughts.
The productivity of a team lies in how well the members are communicating. If conversations are not transmitted and received properly, there will be no connection between the communicators. It is through the misunderstanding that most of the conflicts in workplace arise. With no effective conversation that results in proper communication, any project will be like building the Tower of Babel.
Effective communication is no rocket science and I think it needs no pompously titled training programs to get it going. It requires some few simple but important changes in the way you converse and communicate with others. Let us delve deeper into these practices to understand better.
Sometimes you just need to stop hearing and start listening
Communication is a two-way process and it needs one to be an active listener. If you can comprehend what the other person is saying, there are only two reasons – either the other person is not expressing it well or you are not trying to understand what that person is saying. Listening here means more than just perceiving the words. It means you are genuinely trying to understand his point of view and leaving aside any differences of opinion you have.
Difference of opinions will always be there as no two persons thinks the same way. That is why one needs to take time to listen what the other person is saying and understand. This will help you to communicate well with that person in the future.
Be approachable
Do not create an aura around you that makes anyone approaching you feel like a trespasser. Greet the person with a smile, so that you make him feel friendly around you and not keep up your chin all the time. Nobody will be glad to approach you if you do make an ambience that feels uncomfortable.
When a colleague feels comfortable to approach you and talk openly without you trying to judge, it makes communication better and effective.
A little face-to-face communication can do wonders
In this age of technology, the art of face-to-face communication is becoming obsolete. Nonetheless, there is nothing like walking over to a colleague’s desk to talk about the project you both are working and it proves to be a great communication builder. E-mails and messages can be misconstrued but with gestures, facial expressions and body languages help to drive the conversation in the right direction.
Learn to embrace differences
Every workplace has employees from different regions and cultural backgrounds. It is a good implication if you understand and embrace the differences. It helps you to communicate well with different people when you know about these differences and not fall prey to cultural faux pas.
There is a certain level of awareness needed to make effective communications and if you get the above points perfectly, you will find that working with your colleagues is more fun than you expected. Most importantly is to let go of your personal egos and respect what the person in front of you is trying to say.
