Communication is the basis of our existence. The act of communicating makes us the alpha species, however there is always an effectual way to proceed. Effective communication skills are a prerequisite to becoming a successful entrepreneur today. These skills do not end at pitching to clients and being able to network; they extend further into our daily interactions with coworkers. An effective communicator can make the other person feel at ease and allow for ideas and information to flow naturally. Being able to communicate with coworkers openly makes work pleasant and allows collaboration opportunities that ensures the best possible results.
Here are some tips to follow to help raise your communication skills a notch.
Give your undivided attention
The ability to give someone your undivided attention is a rare quality, that is appreciated by everyone. This fact is true whether you work in a large corporation or at a shared space. The first skill to master on the road to becoming an effective communicator is to learn to listen to others. Active listening allows you to tune into what the other person is saying and understand their point of view. Respect people’s time along with yours, and lead the conversation to a mutually beneficial conclusion before resuming your work.
Ask powerful questions
The right question can evoke clarity, reveal new information and produce further action steps. In an age where every answer is at the edge of your fingertips, asking the right questions is more important than having all the answers. Questions are a great way to break the ice and gain insights about the people you work with. A clear and concise question can bring everyone in the room on the same page in a meeting room. A powerful question is one that is open-ended and makes an impact on the person receiving it. Such questions allows the receiver to open up and you successfully leave a lasting impression.
Know your audience
While both the above tips are effective communication tools, it is also important to understand when to use which one. Every person is different and hence responds differently. To be an effective communicator, it is crucial to learn and adapt to different communication styles to help get your message across. Calibrate your communication according to the other person’s personality to learn how to communicate with anyone you encounter successfully.
To Sum up
At work, we are all surrounded by regular tasks, daily stressors and strict deadlines. With tensions high and emotions involved, it can be easy to blame and yell instead of trying to communicate. Try not to let your emotions get in the way and put your message across calmly and clearly. Open communication is the secret to building a successful and long-lasting organization.
~~ By Pawan Hegde
Head – Enterprise & Revenue
QDESQ
