Do you practice effective communication with your boss and coworkers? Anyone who has experienced the fallout from ineffective communication knows why effective communication is important in the workplace. Learn one amazing benefit to being a good communicator at work in this audio clip.
Effective communication is a foundational component of all smoothly operating businesses.
You probably knew that already.
Most of us could come up with a few answers to the question of why effective communication is important in the workplace.
But I want to discuss a particular aspect of effective communication and then share some specific career wisdom about how it can have a profoundly positive impact on your value as an employee and your professional relationships.
It’s one of those tidbits of professional conduct (and real human care) that can open many doors on your road to success.
To start with, effective communication is more than just being able to clearly articulate what’s on your mind.
It’s also about being able to listen.
In fact, deep, authentic listening is something few people do well.
So simply making a point to develop the skill will make you stand out in a crowd.
As you come to understand the importance of listening, you come to realize how rare it is— and consequently how much most people appreciate it when it happens.
For instance, how many people do you think ask their managers what their goals for the company/department are?
How do you think your manager would respond if you asked what their number one goal is?
Chances are they have never been asked that question before.
It can be quite disarming to be treated like a real human being by one of their employees or teammates.
It will certainly not go unnoticed.
The second step to asking the question is to practice truly listening to the answer.
That means listening not just to the words they say, but also reading between the lines.
What chord does the question really strike in them?
What need do they feel they now have a space to express?
Even (and especially) if you have a different personality than your manager, asking this question with real curiosity gives you an opportunity to connect with them as a human being.
This can create a lot of synergy and good will between the two of you.
Once you know what their number one goal is, join forces with them.
Focus your time and energy on helping them achieve that goal and see where that takes you in your workplace.
I promise it won’t be bad.
Is your work situation frustrating you? Do you hate your job, but have no idea what to do instead? Attempting to navigate those waters without support is not fun (yes, I do know, but that’s another story). I’m excited to announce that I’ve created The Job I Love Toolkit, with all the resources you’ll need to finally clarify how to get paid to do you.TM To be the first to hear more details, join the VIP Wait List.
And if you know a friend or neighbor who could use hearing the advice in this article or needs The Job I Love Toolkit, please forward this to them.