Tips to improve your communication at work

Oftentimes, people get queried at the office for lack of communication. Why is this so? It is usually because of lack of proper communication. A successful company is built on good communication. 

With strong communication throughout the workplace, all members of the team know what they are working towards and how their work contributes to the company’s overall goal. Not only that, but good communication also builds trust, creates relationships and establishes a more productive environment. Here are six tips to improve your communication at workplace.

Practice active listening

Communication is a two-way thing. To adequately communicate among your colleagues and with your boss, it’s important to pay rapt attention to him or her. Avoid distractions and maintain eye contact. Stop typing or attempting to multi-task and give your full attention. Your colleagues will be more likely to come to you again if they feel that you care what they have to say. Also, rephrase and repeat what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. Be sure to clarify questions; seek more information if needed.

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Give clear and concise messages

Sometimes, people get queried when they resume late to the office (even when it is really beyond their control). Oftentimes, it’s because they did not explain or even provide a message to that effect. So, whenever you feel you may be late to the office, send a direct message to your line manager and explain why. Be direct. State your point clearly and with a simple language. 

Be mindful of how you’re communicating

In the world of slack and email, sometimes it can feel like we’ve forgotten the art of face-to-face conversation. It can be difficult to convey tone of voice digitally and some people are less receptive to certain types of communication. Don’t rely on communicating online only. When you are talking in person, make sure that your body language also conveys the message appropriately. Know what works for all the people you work with and key into that. If some prefer a WhatsApp chat, don’t send a slack message. 

Always explain why

Without understanding why you are doing something, it can be difficult to give the intended result. To fully communicate a task and to achieve the desired end goal, you have to explain the why. Explain why you have given a certain task to a specific person, why it needs to be done in a particular way and why this task is important to the overall goals of the business. By communicating well with the person or team members, it shows that you haven’t just given a meaningless task at random, which as we all know, can be frustrating. Good communication can also bring more motivation as you can positively communicate and discuss the task and explain how working on this will add to wider goals.

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Be mindful of non-verbal cues

Match your body language to your words. Ensure consistency all through your conversation with your colleague. Use appropriate tone of voice as you communicate. Avoid sounding defensive or aggressive even when the situation seems unfavourable. Lastly, show interest and engagement with body cues.

Give and seek feedback

When you are given a specific task, especially with a deadline, it’s important to give feedback. Giving feedback helps to track your progress at the task given. It also shows what area you are lagging behind and how a supportive colleague or your head can come in aid for you.

Importantly, prepare your mind for constructive criticism. Even when some persons might rather be destructive in their criticism approach, use it to improve your skills and identify areas for growth.