Communication Skill 1: Listening
Good communication is composed of two elements: "listening" and "dialogue". When you want the other party to adopt your opinion, it is better to learn to listen first. Once the bridge of communication is built, you can turn passivity into the initiative and reach a consensus with the other party more easily.
Listening is more than just waiting for the other person to finish talking. Lynne Schinella, a workplace expert, divides listening skills into two categories: "active listening" and "empathetic listening. Active listening means giving positive gestures, including nodding or smiling politely, while the other person is talking, and repeating the point with your own words when they are mentioned. This way, the other person can be sure that his or her thoughts have been correctly conveyed and can also feel valued.
As for empathetic listening, it is not only to understand the other person's opinion but also to respond to his or her emotions. For example, when you find that the other person is depressed, you can respond with more emotional and warm words to make the other person feel understood. Doing so will help the other person to take off their guard and complete the communication in a more relaxed state.
Communication Skill 2: Choose the right time
Whether you are in the workplace or not, picking the right time to talk is an essential skill. For example, if you ask a tough question to your boss when he is in an angry mood, you will most likely be scolded. However, if you ask the same question when the boss is in a good mood and has met his performance targets, you will have a chance to get a good solution.
In addition, you should also be able to decide how to communicate according to the priority of the matter. If you want to communicate with your boss about a major event such as a salary adjustment, contract modification, or consideration of leaving your job, you should take the initiative to meet with your boss to discuss it face-to-face, rather than just informing him/her with a text message or a letter.
When the matter involves many units, it is best to bring it up for discussion at an interdepartmental meeting. This will not only allow the head of each department to keep track of progress and solve the problem in the most efficient way but will also avoid having to hold separate meetings between departments to discuss the matter and minimize the burden.
Communication Skill 3: Give Feedback
When the other party makes a suggestion, you should give feedback and add to your own expertise. Even if the other person's approach is not as expected or conflicts with your own ideas, it is important to discuss the matter from a rational point of view to help make progress in the workplace.
When both parties are willing to give their opinions, new sparks can emerge from them. This is definitely a plus for the job, the team, or the individual.
Start with your supervisor's personality and be ready to adapt to the appropriate communication style
To improve communication skills in the workplace, in addition to following the above rules, you can also learn how to "communicate upward" from the perspective of social science analysis.
The Professional Dynametric Programs (PDP), which is commonly used by Fortune 500 companies, is an important tool used by many companies to analyze the characteristics of their leaders and to manage their talent.
The system is based on personality traits and behavioral styles, and test-takers can be classified into five categories: "tiger," "peacock," "owl," "tailed bear" and "chameleon.
The "tiger type" is independent, practical, emphasizes work efficiency, and is decisive. When faced with an emergency situation, he or she is usually not surprised. When communicating with such a boss, it is important to get to the point immediately so that he can grasp the conclusion immediately.
"Peacock" supervisors are outgoing, love a warm work atmosphere, and have the charisma to persuade others. If you communicate with this type of supervisor, it is best to let him have a stage to play on, and not to take the lead of the supervisor, so that the problem can be solved.
The "owl" supervisor has a strong reasoning ability, believes in rational information analysis, and works in an orderly, disciplined, and cautious manner. When communicating with this type of executive, it is important to present clear data with careful interpretation and analysis to have a chance of convincing him. It is also important to avoid any uncertainty, and it is best to refer all decisions to data.
Unlike the above supervisory types, the "tailed bear" supervisor is the one who places the most importance on harmony in the organization. This type of supervisor is usually good at getting along, patient, used to clarify things, and values being respected. When communicating with this type of supervisor, give them plenty of time to make decisions and put the interests of the team first in everything they do, which is what the supervisor likes to do.
The "chameleon" type of executive is the most elusive of all types. They are thoughtful and decisive when making decisions. Sometimes they emphasize work goals, and sometimes they focus on interpersonal relationships. When communicating with this type of supervisor, it is important to be able to distinguish the priorities of an event, and when describing one's opinion, it is also important to know both reason and emotion, preferably with data, in order to have a better chance of reaching a consensus with the supervisor.
In general, you can't achieve your work goals by yourself. Therefore, "communication" is an important interpersonal lesson, whether it is with the top, the bottom, or a parallel department. The more you can master the skills, the better your chances are to excel in the workplace!
Comments
Post a Comment