Stop talking, start communicating!

Ask anyone if they are a good communicator and the chances are they will say yes, we can speak therefore we can communicate, but there is much more to it, especially if you interact with people and run a business. Effective business communication is a two-way process of listening, speaking and being aware of other non verbal messages. Having the capacity to be aware of and control your emotions whilst handling this communication and building interpersonal relationships, is also a very valuable trait in work-life. Being honest though, it’s also a huge factor in life!

Eliminate assumptions

Being an effective communicator requires a holistic approach to the way you express yourself interpersonally. By utilising your emotional intelligence and intuition, a clearer position can be presented which can help you pass on messages in the way they were intended. Getting straight to the point, understanding when and where to include emotions and knowing what the receivers of the message need, can all play a part in eliminating any assumptions on the receiving end. Effective communication will tell people exactly what they need to know or do without a perception bias and means less back and forth between parties, saving time and resources. Well, that’s the whole idea, right?

Non verbal messages from employees

Not all of your employees or contractors will feel comfortable to approach you with questions, problems or even a chat. This means it’s up to you to understand what their non verbal messages are hinting towards. Non verbal messages can be expressed through facial movements, gestures and body language, these may look like eye contact, posture, how fast they walk or how they dress. Learning to pick up on these cues can help determine what is affecting an employee and sympathetically solve the problem with them before any real issues arise.

It pays to understand the type of people you're working with and construct communication accordingly for the most effective outcome. The diagram below illustrates some broad examples of workplace personalities and what they respond to, allowing you to determine the best way to approach interactions. What sections do each of your employees fit into? Have a think about whether direct open communication works better for them rather than indirect cues.
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Active listening

If you are wanting to be heard by your staff, contractors and even customers, consider listening first. Listening is a very important skill to have and can impact your job effectiveness and the quality of your relationships with others. Being self-aware and understanding your communication style can assist with creating positive and lasting impressions. Once you’ve actively listened you’ve opened up the gates of trust for open communication that will lead others to want to listen intently to what you have to say, and won't leave you feeling like you've been banging your head against a brick wall.

Foster the trust for open discussions

Holding strong conversations builds trus