Workplace communications. It's the foundation of all work place relationships. When you factor in the fact that most professionals spend at least a third of their time at work, being an effective communicator becomes a core competency that everyone should work to improve. Developing good communications and workplace relationships can often, however, be difficult to achieve. Here are 7 simple communications rules to help you improve your relationships with co-workers...and raise your quality-of-life-at-work.
Observe boundaries. People have different comfort zones regarding their personal space, inquiries about their personal lives, and their personal property that deserve your respect. For example, a civil office relationship can quickly turn nasty if a colleague's desk space is raided for candy without their permission. Fulfill commitments. The currency of most relationships is based on whether your "word is your bond." In other words, be trustworthy. Follow through on your personal and professional commitments to your colleagues. If your reputation at work is ever on the line, your co-workers will be more likely to reserve judgment and grant you the benefit of doubt...just when you need it the most. Respect time. Some people you work with are social animals who enjoy the banter and casual conversation that goes on in every office. Others can live without it. Notice the rhythm and ease that co-workers exchange pleasantries with you, and engage them up to but not exceeding their comfort zones. When they get antsy or start glancing at their watches, move on and let them get back to work. Pay attention. Many of us talk more than we listen. Practice active listening and learn to process what is said and unsaid (i.e., consider a colleague's voice inflection, body language, etc.) in order to improve the quality of your communication in the work place. Is there an introvert in your midst? Someone who reflects first and then speaks? Ramp-up your listening and processing skills with these colleagues so that they know their thoughts and feelings are appreciated and accepted. Avoid gossip. Those who talk about others will talk about you, too. When you or others are being damned by faint praise, (it happens!), or falsehoods about you are being spread like wildfire, you will want a colleague with the backbone to nip that gossip in the bud. That means you have to walk away from gossip when you encounter it, in spite of how appealing it may be. Ask questions. When in doubt, ask! Find out whether a colleague prefers to hit the ground running or ease into the morning slowly. Ask your co-workers in the next office whether they prefer a phone call, an email, or a face-to-face visit if you have a quick question in the middle of the day. Then, demonstrate that you respect their preferences by acting on them. Check-in. Listen to what your gut is telling you about your work place relationships. If anything in your communication with a colleague feels out of order, check to see how you can iron it out in order to get back on track with each other. Addressing miscues and miscommunications in your work place relationships when they first occur is much easier than waiting until the problem escalates into open hostilities. Effective communication in the work place is vital to improving personal productivity and attaining a high quality-of-life-at work. Strengthening your communications skills and work place relationships takes both time and effort. And...it's worth it.
Jackie Jordan Davis is an executive coach who has been in private practice since 1997. Visit www.voicelessons.ws for more information on the executive coaching, consulting and communications training she offers for women in the workplace.
watch mobile phone Purchase Alps Mountaineering Red Tail 4900 Cubic Inch Order Tablespoon Waldorf 7 Micron Silverplated Set Of Discount Everlast Protex 3 Evergel Training Gloves
