Are you looking to enhance your communication at work?
Do you want to make working with others in your business more efficient?
In this article, you’ll learn about four ways you can improve your communication with others at work for the better.
Why is Communication at Work So Important?
Communication at work as an entrepreneur is extremely important in today’s day and age.
At its heart, communication at work is a matter of efficiency. As a productivity coach, I regularly advise my clients to incorporate clear communication as part of their productivity plans.
Why is this the case? Well, in order to successfully work with others, you need to clearly communicate. You must present your ideas, thoughts, and goals in a way that’s clear and concise.
If you’re in business, then you know that time is money. The more efficient you can be with your time, the more efficient you’ll be in your business.
And if you can succinctly communicate your needs, wants, and desires in a single instance? You’ll end up saving yourself time in future.
Therefore, there’s no need to spend additional time or energy meeting with others to reexplain yourself. The task will be done.
What’s more, doing so allows you to be fully present and in the moment. Your full and undivided attention will allow you to quickly address current concerns and prepare for future challenges in your business.
That’s the true power of communication at work.
What are the Benefits of Communication at Work?
The benefits of clear communication at work might not seem obvious on the surface.
But they can potentially have far reaching effects on how you work with others in your business as a whole.
Some of the benefits of communication at work may include:
- Reducing the chances of miscommunication and confusion in verbal and written communications
- Focusing your attention in servicing clients and customers or performing business critical work
- Eliminating or diffusing unnecessary conflicts, arguments, and disagreements between parties
- Streamlined meetings, appointments, and gatherings where information is presented in an efficient manner
- Improved day-to-day working relationships with staff, employees, clients, customers, and vendors
When Should You Start Focusing on Communication at Work?
As a productivity coach, I think the right time to start focusing on communication is right now, in the present moment.
Communication is something we do every single day in our businesses. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to practice those skills.
Your next in-person conversation, phone call, email, or text message is a gold mine. It can be your first step forward in improving your communication skills.
However, if you begin practicing now, in a months’ time you’ll be much further along. All the more reason to get started now, don’t you think?
That being said, before you pick up the phone or write your next email, take a moment or two to do some thinking.
For example, how can you more clearly communicate your thoughts, ideas, concerns, feedback, and updates?
Thankfully, taking the time to figure out what you’re going to say may very well save you valuable time and energy in future.
4 Thoughtful Ways to Enhance Communication at Work
Are you ready to give your communication skills a boost?
Here are four thoughtful ways you can improve communication at work, any day of the week.
Structure your requests with the bigger picture
Doing a bit of pre-planning will help you gather your thoughts so you can effectively communicate with others.
Think about your goals. What do you want to ultimately be, do, have, or achieve as a result of your conversation?
How does your request fit into the bigger picture of your day, week, or month?
Next, ask yourself how your request relates to the other person. Consider where your request lies within the scope of your contact’s daily work.
Does it lie within, or beyond? What exactly does the person need to know from you in order to have a fruitful conversation?
Taking the time to look at the big picture will ultimately help you structure your request in a way that benefits both you and the other person.
Communicate delays in a timely manner
People aren’t mind readers.
That’s why it’s so important to extend a professional courtesy to others by immediately informing them of delays the moment they occur.
It takes only a moment to ask yourself how sharing a point of information could help others.
A simple message could potentially save another person-hours of labor, if not a full day of work.
Communicate quickly and succinctly. Take charge, lead, and act as the communicator so you both clearly understand the situation and next steps.
How should you communicate with others? Alert others via phone, message, text, or email to material delays, meeting cancellations, or updated information.
Open the door for questions and answers
Create an open and supportive environment for inevitable questions and answers.
Lead by example, and ask the other person what questions, if any, they have about a task, project or assignment.
Don’t assume others don’t have questions, or will immediately have a question for you when asked.
Sometimes people need to think and reflect upon a situation or event. Ask once, twice, or even a third time when necessary.
While group meetings offer a way for teams to connect, you should also consider being available to answer questions in a one-on-one format.
Some discussions and conversations are more suited to direct personal conversations in a private setting.
What’s more, a one-on-one conversation can dig much more deeply into issues, challenges, and concerns than a group discussion can.
Watch out for tone
Lastly, ever heard of the saying, it’s not what you say, but how you say it?
Speaking in a more neutral tone will get you much further with others than approaching them in a confrontational manner.
Remember, you want to build bridges, not put up barriers. Start with the intent of approaching others thoughtfully and with respect.
Ask yourself how you can present information or have a conversation in a positive way.
Next, mind the tone of your words and message. Think about different ways you can communicate an idea or information.
If need be, put yourself in the other person’s place. Rehearse your message in your mind’s eye, or standing in front of a mirror.
Practicing tone can go a long way in communicating effectively and building stronger relationships with others.
A version of this article originally appeared on Inc.com
In case we haven’t yet met, it’s nice to meet you! Hi, I’m Rashelle Isip, The Order Expert®, productivity coach for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals.
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