Tips to improve your workplace communication

By Fay Capstick

We all like to feel that we are being heard and understood at work. It is always possible to improve how we communicate and this week we will be looking at ways you can improve including empathy and clarity. This can lead to a more effective, efficient, and happy workplace where everyone understands what is expected of them and what to do if they have any concerns.

Listening

Good communication is very important, but just as important and maybe more so, is good listening. Good listening is especially important if you are an extrovert who is used to dominating conversation. Take the time to stop and listen to what your colleagues and staff are telling you. Moments of silence can encourage more introverted members of staff to speak up and give their opinion. Further, take the time to look for non-verbal clues in communication and interaction through body language. Sometimes what isn’t being said is as important as what is.

Facing the world

If your job involves meeting clients and giving presentations then you will need to be an excellent communicator. For some this comes naturally, for others it is a learned skill. Both methods are fine and everyone can always improve. There are training courses that can help you gain confidence in this area. A key point is to actively watch and listen to feedback from your audience and adjust yourself accordingly.

Take chances

Some of the most enlightening conversation with colleagues and team members might be the impromptu ones. This could be where you learn more about a situation or person that can change how that person is viewed or a situation is resolved.

Digital communication

More introverted or remote workers might prefer digital communication, such as Slack. Use whichever method people are most comfortable with. Managers can help to steer text conversation in order to best listen to their teams.

Think before you speak…

Take a second to think of the impact of what you are saying before you say it. Is it constructive, helpful, and supportive? Are there any micro-aggressions hiding in what you are saying. Taking a second to think can make all the difference in improving your workplace communication.

And before you hit send!

Quickly scan your emails after you have written them and before you press send. Are you communicating in the clearest and most effective way possible? Could your email be shorter. Is it saying what you want it to without ambiguity?

Clear communication

Make everything as simple as you can. There are no points to be gained from turning a bullet point into a novel. Practice on communicating your ideas as simply and cleanly as possible. This is a skill that can be learned. It will help those around you understand you with greater clarity and be able to implement your ideas quicker and easier. Further it is important that people understand why something is happening or being assigned to them, don’t just give orders blindly.

Write it down!

Follow up meetings with brief and clear written notes of what was discussed and any actions to be taken. It won’t take long to produce and will ensure there is clarity over what needs to be done and who is doing it.

Encourage participation

Make sure that everyone feels confident to add to the discussion. Don’t make people feel bad for asking obvious questions. There really is no stupid question. Nurture people and the environment in the workplace and you will truly achieve the best from everyone.

Always be polite

This might sound obvious, but these are your team members and colleagues that you are dealing with, so always be polite. Never be sarcastic, and never raise your voice. As soon as you raise your voice you will lose respect. Use your words to convey your feelings, not your volume.

Conclusion

Good workplace communication is essential to a workplace where everyone is performing to the best of their ability and is happy in their work and environment. A workplace with poor communication can become a toxic environment to be in and can lead to staff leaving (think Twitter), high sickness rates and customers who can sense the discord. There are things that can be done to improve communication and these can have a huge impact towards ensuring that everyone is working as an effective and happy team.

Final thoughts

At Parker Shaw we have been at the forefront of the sector we serve, IT & Digital Recruitment and Consulting, for over 30 years. We can advise you on all your hiring needs. If you are looking for your next job in the IT sector please check our Jobs Board for our current live vacancies at https://parkershaw.co.uk/jobs-board.