Communication Skills for Work Success and Ways to Achieve It

By Sarah Smith

While the majority of us spend all day, every day communicating, it can hardly be said we have mastered these skills. Despite all the talking, chatting, and emailing, it always seems there is room for improvement, especially at the workplace. Good communication skills are equally important for those just starting to pursue their careers and those wanting to excel at their job.

Delivering the message in a clear, understandable and concise way is worth in gold in the business world. Effective communication creates healthy work relationships among employees and improves team spirit. Additionally, it boosts productivity which leads to creating a healthy work environment for everyone in the company. Poor communication and connection achieve the opposite effect.

Since communication is undoubtedly crucial for work success, here are some ways to help you become a true master of communication skills.

Respect Other People’s Preferred Communication Channels

Today, people have a variety of communication tools to choose from. It is no wonder everyone has their favorite one. Before starting a conversation with someone, consider their preferred manner of communication first. Not everyone likes every tool available. If someone doesn’t like talking on the phone, then simply don’t call them. Respect their preferred communication channel and use it. It is much more efficient and time-saving.

While juggling everyone’s favorite tool may be tiring in private life, it doesn’t have to be that way at the workplace. Most companies use intranet systems for connecting all employees, keeping them engaged, and sharing relevant information. They also encourage cooperation among employees which in turn improves team spirit and overall employee communication. Such systems seem like an ideal chance for polishing communication skills and rising to success.

Pick the Right Time

Communication skills 101: Timing is important. In most cases, when the message is conveyed matters more than the message itself. For example, if there are some matters you want to resolve with your co-worker, you aren’t going to do it in front of everyone during a meeting. There is always a time and place for such actions and a work meeting is not one of them. Instead, you take it directly to the colleague and resolve it privately.

Furthermore, you can’t expect the urgent business you have to attend to is also your co-worker’s top priority. So don’t keep on calling or texting them until you get the reply you need. Such behavior can hinder all communication and ruin even the slightest possibility of having healthy work relationships. Suffice it to say, it will reflect poorly on your reputation in the company and the chances for excelling will be also ruined.

Equally important is to know when to cut someone some slack. We all have bad days and we all make mistakes. It is in our nature. In such situations, it is best to let the storm pass. Criticism and requests can wait some other day.

Listen Carefully

How many times have you been in a situation where the person you are speaking to is looking at their phone and avoiding eye contact? Probably a few too many to remember. Those people don’t understand that communication is a two-way street. To spread your message in the best way possible, you have to first be able to listen carefully to your speakers. Only then will you be able to ask from them to listen to you in return.

Multitasking doesn’t do you any good, especially during face-to-face interaction. How will you respond correctly if you haven’t been paying attention? This behavior leaves a bad impression and that is something a person driven to work success wants to accomplish. Instead, give the speaker your undivided attention and look them directly into their eyes. Don’t interrupt them while speaking, but wait for them to finish. It shows you respect what they have to say and gives them a sense of importance.

Keep It Simple

No one has time for reading extensive and detailed emails or listening to long stories, especially at work. There are more important things to do. Listing numerous reasons or giving rather confusing explanations is unnecessary. The main points easily get lost rendering the whole communication purposeless in the first place. Alternatively, cut the long story short. Effective communication is all about direct, clear, and brief message transfer. This particularly refers to written communication.  People tend to scroll or skim through their emails in search of the most important parts. In case you do have to send a long email, try making it more reader-friendly by highlighting the significant bits or using bullet points.

In conclusion, despite all the practice, communication skills can always be improved. More so, if this skill set proves to be of major importance in pursuing career and professional opportunities. By taking our simple but effective pieces of advice, your communication skills will be more effective and the success is guaranteed.

 

 

Sarah Jessica Smith is a young blogger from Sydney. She is in love with life and all the things that can make her daily routine easier. She loves to write about business, marketing, productivity and workspace décor.

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