| 5 Ways Of Improving Communication In A Business Setting |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Rita Gergi |
| Friday, 07 May 2010 17:11 |
|
Communication and improvement are two words that have so many meanings, as they are always used in different contexts. In the context of the workplace, communication has so many roles. Some of these are information sharing, networking, sales talking, and marketing. Improvement, on the other hand, is very vague unless it is put into context. What needs improvement? What kind of improvement is needed? Putting the two words together, "communication improvement" makes the discussion even more interesting. Before an improvement can be achieved, it is important to identify what part of communication needs that improvement, and how an improved communication looks like, eventually. Once everything is concretely defined, that's when the steps to achieving them come in. These steps should be properly documented or noted. This help you keep track of the ways that worked and didn't. So it is easier to remember what practices should be done and what avoided. Documenting the steps is also a way of preserving the improvement because they will eventually serve as the communication guideline within the workplace. A checklist based on different opinions, observations, and surveys will do. Here is an example of a checklist for improving communication in a workplace. 1.Put Greater value on personal communication - Yes, technology has already provided better, and easier means to communicate, such as text messaging, emails, and instant messaging. But these communication channels can entail a lot of misunderstandings because of their impersonal nature. The sending and receiving of messages are also subjected to uncertainties because of some technological failures that can really not be avoided. A message sent through different media is also open for so many interpretations. Gaining people's trust, especially your boss', would really require some personal connection. Through that, things can be easily discussed and can be clarified when needed. The connection is always stronger through personal conversations. For managers, it's one way of winning the loyalty of the employees, too. 2.Take time to connect with people - speaking of strong connections, this can also be achieved by finding common grounds for people, even though they belong to different departments. Yes, everyone may be preoccupied in the workplace and it can really be stressful. Thus, it is definitely a great way to relieve stress if you know that there are more people that you can share your day and business with. A day can be both busy and fun as long as it is shared with great people. 3.Introduce them to your job - you may be in the same company, but can be doing extremely different jobs. With this, it may be helpful to introduce your co-worker to the kind of tasks that you strive to accomplish each day, and also take time to observe the jobs of others. For instance, if you are in the IT department, take some time to understand the jobs of those in the customer service. Not long enough, you will find out that despite the differences there are still interdependency in jobs. More importantly, by exposing yourself to the jobs of others, you lessen the tendency to judge people easily, thus reducing misunderstandings. 4.Provide an engaging environment for departments to interact - every department can actually contribute to the improvement of the other department. Since they are all interconnected, the rest of the departments should also hear one department because it is for everyone's good. In a workplace, everyone should be comfortable in connecting with other departments, and avoid being too exclusive. Being too focused on your department, and on your task hinders you from seeing the other aspects of the company that needs your service. Once the departments are already well-tuned to this kind of interaction, it will not only provide smoother information flow, but also better company outputs. 5.Give Compliments - it may be a simple thank you note, a lunch treat, or a department party, as long as people know that their efforts are appreciated, it is already a very good start for building good relationships in the workplace. The power of compliments or appreciation on motivating people is irrefutable. This is just another way of connecting with people and making communication easier. The list presented above may not be enough to solve communication problems in the workplace, but they are definitely effective in avoiding them. Everyone has his or her own experiences to turn to. But what is important is to feel the freedom of speech assertively knowing that this is not a vain talk. About the Author: Learn more about business communication. Stop by Rita Gergi's site where you can find out more about the ways of communication in a work setting. |