<\/span><\/h2>\nA Grammarly study shows that effective communication in the workplace significantly boosts productivity and performance. Good workplace communication requires adapting your communication style to different types of people and situations.<\/p>\n
For example, leading a mentoring session for summer interns requires a different communication style than presenting a project to your boss. Similarly, writing an annual report will require a different tone and language than announcing a promotion or writing a letter of recommendation. Be sensitive to these nuances and adapt as necessary.<\/p>\n
Communication skills are even more important for remote teams. If you work remotely, pay extra attention to your written communication and how you communicate verbally and nonverbally in virtual meetings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
These four tips will ensure better, more effective communication in the workplace:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Be Clear And Concise<\/span><\/h3>\nAccording to the Center for Creative Leadership, being clear and concise helps reduce the risk of misinterpretation or confusion and builds trust within your team. Minimize jargon\u2014one of the biggest barriers to effective communication\u2014and be specific about goals, timelines and expectations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. Be Responsive<\/span><\/h3>\nResponse time matters in the workplace. Studies show that fast communicators are often viewed as more effective than others, regardless of the quality of their answers. Respond to requests promptly if you can. If your response will be delayed, acknowledge the request and provide an ETA for your answer.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Practice Empathy<\/span><\/h3>\nEmpathy doesn\u2019t just make you a better human being. According to the O.C. Tanner Institute\u2019s Global Culture Report, it also makes you a better leader. The most effective leaders are attuned to their colleagues\u2019 feelings and perspectives, so practice active listening and show gratitude.<\/p>\n
If a colleague or team member is experiencing personal difficulties, acknowledging their challenges privately can make them feel valued and cared for. Empathetic leadership can improve morale, increase dedication and productivity and boost retention.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Assert Yourself<\/span><\/h3>\nAssertive communication is important to ensure your accomplishments are recognized. But what if you\u2019re shy, quiet or introverted? Chen recommends reframing assertiveness as self-advocacy using the ACCT framework:<\/p>\n
\n- A<\/strong>sk for what you want because you can\u2019t assume people will know.<\/li>\n
- C<\/strong>ircle back for an answer from a colleague. Be polite but persistent.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- C<\/strong>elebrate your wins because you\u2019re your own best cheerleader.<\/li>\n
- T<\/strong>urn down requests that will take up too much of your time. You can always promise to help another time\u2014or with another task\u2014when your schedule allows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Assertiveness takes practice. As you hone this skill, remember that it\u2019s your responsibility to advocate for yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>5. Be Calm And Consistent\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nConflict at work and in life is inevitable, but remaining calm, composed and consistent gives you a better chance of resolution.<\/p>\n
Strategies for remaining calm and consistent include nipping conflicts in the bud. Use the pinch\/crunch model, which focuses on raising minor issues with colleagues, friends or family before they become larger conflicts. If this can\u2019t avoid conflict, these additional strategies can help you keep your cool when the need arises:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- Take a deep breath and gather your thoughts. This short-circuits the urge to jump into a defensive posture.<\/li>\n
- Acknowledge the other person and their feelings. \u201cMaking the other person feel heard helps make them more receptive to what you have to say,\u201d says Chen.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Best Books On Communication Skills<\/span><\/h2>\nThe following four books are highly recommended if you want to improve your communication skills:<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Writing That Works: How To Communicate Effectively In Business<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nBy Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson<\/em><\/p>\nBest For: <\/strong>Written Communication Skills<\/p>\nThis classic book is great for professionals ranging from entry-level to C-suite executives. It covers how to write clearly, concisely and persuasively for a range of internal and external audiences.<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. <\/em>Smart, Not Loud: How To Get Noticed At Work For All The Right Reasons<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\nBy Jessica Chen<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\nBest For: <\/strong>Verbal Communication Skills<\/p>\nGeared to quiet achievers, Chen offers insight on how to get noticed at work without becoming overly aggressive, sharp-elbowed or boastful.<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. How To Read People Like A Book<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\nBy James W. Williams\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nBest For:<\/strong> Nonverbal Communication<\/p>\nLearn how to read other people\u2019s body language and master yours to become a better listener and communicator.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Storytelling With Data: A Data Visualization Guide For Business Professionals<\/em> <\/em><\/span><\/h3>\nBy Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic<\/em><\/p>\nBest For:<\/strong> Visual Communication<\/p>\nThis essential text shows you how to tell engaging stories with data to create engagement and relay complex information comprehensibly.<\/p>\n
<\/span>How To Be An Effective Communicator In A Nutshell<\/span><\/h2>\nMastering communication skills can feel daunting, but the potential benefits for your personal and professional life are well worth it. No one has perfect communication skills and everyone is in the process of learning. Start by building self-awareness to identify areas for improvement and address small conflicts before they escalate. Assert yourself with tact and self-advocacy, and be proactive in seeking growth through mentors, books, classes or coaching. Finally, celebrate your progress along the way\u2014every step toward becoming a more effective communicator is a success.<\/p>\n
Photo by PeopleImages.com \u2013 Yuri A\/Shutterstock.com<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n