COMMUNICATON

Listen: communication is everything.  It’s how we function in the world.  A lack of it is where most of the problems we encounter as…well, literally a human race, stem from.

In business, good communication is key to increasing productivity.  If a job is communicated effectively, it is more likely to be completed effectively; if a team member needs constructive criticism, the way that criticism is communicated could dictate how that team member does or doesn’t improve.  Whether in person or through technology, communication relates not just to how information is delivered, but also to how it is received.  With that in mind, let me communicate a few thoughts on the topic.

How could you adapt your communication style to be more aligned to theirs?

You’ve got to read the room, folks.  Most of us can do it naturally, but when the pressure is on at work, it can be easy to forget.  And we don’t all communicate verbally.  It can be through body language, expressions and sometimes just an energy or a vibe.

TOP TIP: Empathy.  It’s critical to fully understanding another person’s perspective and beliefs.

It is not a time waster to stop and take stock of the mood and energy of the people around you.  In fact, it’s an asset.  It’s something that can be used to your advantage.  If the team is running out of steam, that’s the time to have a break or bring in the snacks; if an individual has a differing opinion regarding the way a task should be completed, understanding the feelings behind that opinion could be useful in coming to a compromise.

What messages might you be sending when communicating?

We need to be aware of how we come across.  Tone is so important.  What might be intended as swift and efficient instruction, can come across as cold and impersonal, so knowing how to adapt your communication style to suit those around you is a great skill to have.  Being best friends with our colleagues isn’t a requirement, but it is much easier to get results from a team that like and/or respect us.

Effective communication through technology.

Organisation and consistency.  Keep your spreadsheets and schedules clear and don’t change the format or medium in which they are delivered.  If your team doesn’t know where to look, they’re not going to know where to be or what to do.  If the medium (i.e. email, excel etc) does change, make sure everyone is up to speed on how to use it.

TOP TIP: Take time to learn someone’s preferred communication style and medium.

It’s somewhat of a joke at this point that Millennials and Gen Z break into cold sweats at the prospect of talking on the phone, but it brings up an interesting point: not everybody excels verbally.  Some people find constant face-to-face conversation overwhelming and exhausting; not all of us want a long-winded email to sift through and memorise.  Being a good leader is knowing the medium and style of communication best suited to A) the subject and B) the person(s) involved. Sometimes a text, a voice note or even an emoji is just fine.

Silence is often more powerful than talking.

When there is a pause in conversation our instinct can be to fill the gap with more talking, and because our thoughts in that moment are more about avoiding social awkwardness than what we are actually saying, there’s a potential for more honesty. Journalists often use this technique to get the people they are interviewing to spill more than they intended; to get to the truth.

As an exercise, why not take a pause the next time there is a small beat in the conversation.  See if the other person has anything more to say.  You might find what is said to be a little more accurate to how they are actually feeling.  Of course, not every conversation in the workplace is inauthentic or untrue, but in an employer/employee dynamic, it’s not uncommon to perhaps say what we think the other person wants to hear, rather than actually saying what we mean.

Allowing space for others to speak honestly may be uncomfortable, but will ultimately be beneficial.

Listening

Listening is probably the most important part of communication.  It can reduce misunderstanding, improve relationships and build empathy.  And listening isn’t just nodding and “uh-huh”-ing while thinking about the next thing you want to say.  If you’re already crafting the perfect counterpoint, you’re not really taking anything in.  It’s simple: we all want to be heard, but if we’re only ever talking all there will ever be is noise.

Enjoyed this article?  Want to read more?  Check out O&B’s thoughts and tips on effectively organising your workspace.