Six tips for better communication at work
Six tips for better communication at work
One of the most common barriers to building a self-managed business is having too much of your brand processes living inside your head. We’ve pulled together six ways to ensure you’re having more productive conversations that keep your entire team on the same page.
1. We’ve touched on this before, but interruptions are part of the job. So don’t be annoyed by them and instead embrace them as the usual way of getting things done.
2. Body language is everything when it comes to establishing confidence and trust. If you’re multi-tasking while someone is talking to you, the odds are that you’re not fully listening, and that’s what speaks volumes.
3. When you have to deliver difficult feedback or bad news, use blunt words with a kind face. This will reduce the risk of emotions over-riding the message.
4. Strive to make your questions open-ended. Instead of “how was your meeting,” which can illicit simple one-word replies like “good” or “fine,” try rephrasing the question to “tell me about your meeting.” An open-ended question prompts respondents to take their time and be more thoughtful in their reply.
5. Go with the flow and be willing to let your ideas die. Letting go can be the hardest thing to learn as a business leader - odds are you got to where you are based on your ideas. But the best way to encourage a sense of ownership amongst teams is to have their ideas take focus. If everyone is aligned around your brand vision and values - relevant ideas will follow.
6. Stop repeating yourself. This may sound counter-intuitive when studies show that people need to hear a message seven times to retain it – but not in the same session! The more you repeat your idea, the less room you allow others to contribute. A good rule of thumb is to keep your mouth closed so you can listen more than you speak.