Whether you're the boss or the employee, you must have adequate communication skills in the workplace to eliminate avoidable problems and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Whether you're the boss or the employee, you must have adequate communication skills in the workplace to eliminate avoidable problems and ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are three communication skills everyone should work to develop.
Active Listening
One of the essential parts of communication is listening. Active listening consists of hearing what other people are saying, thinking and processing it, and acknowledging that you understand what was being communicated. Avoid consistent interrupting, engaging with distractions such as technology and not making eye contact. These actions can make it seem like you are not actively listening and could damage communications between your team.
Empathy
After listening to what other people are saying, it's important to receive what they tell you with empathy. Consider what they are communicating from their perspective vs your own. This will make you empathize and understand what's being shared with you, and with this better understanding, you will be able to help support the other person better.
Giving and Receiving Feedback
The purpose of feedback is not to shame but rather to help everyone become stronger and more well-rounded in their work. Receiving feedback with grace can be difficult, but allowing yourself to accept the well-intentioned and constructive feedback with confidence and poise will help you grow and become a more substantial asset to the team. Alternatively, you also need to ensure the feedback you give is well-intentioned and constructive for the person you are giving it to.
Communication skills go beyond what is listed above; however, if you're looking to change your communication abilities, these three areas are a great place to start!