Improve Communication at Work and Handle Difficult Conversations – Ten Top Tips For 2010
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If you are serious about wanting to improve your communication at work this year, then take a peek at these top ten tips and choose just one to work on today. Tomorrow pick another and repeat the process.
10. Choose the person you find the most difficult to listen to and challenge yourself to learn one new thing about him or her. Be deliberate. Initiate a conversation by asking an open-ended question about this person and prepare to listen for 60 seconds without interrupting.
I once asked a purchasing agent, who rarely got excited about anything and seemed a bit unapproachable, where he was going on vacation. I was surprised to learn that he loved to gamble in Vegas. His answer not only prompted more questions but provided a new way to approach him in the future.
9. Schedule a feedback conversation with your manager or supervisor quarterly. Do not wait for your annual review. This is a critical conversation both managers and employees rarely approach with positive anticipation yet it is the perfect opportunity to increase your value. Ask for advice and put it to work.
8. Increase the number of “high risk” conversations you have each month. If you’re interested in joining the sales team while you are currently manning the front desk, make it a point to interact with the sales manager more frequently.
7. Vow to eliminate one repetitive phrase, over-used expression or credibility killer phrase from your conversation this year. No one is going to miss hearing “in these economic times.”
6. Complain only to the person that can handle your concern. Don’t go home and whine to your spouse or unload to your cubicle neighbor about the unfairness of your boss.
5. If you are constantly in conflict with the same person stop and ask yourself what might be another way to approach this person. Consider what fear or frustration this person may be experiencing and approach from that point-of-view.
4. Record your conversations. Replay when you can listen with a neutral ear. Listen closely for how frequently you interrupt, what message your voice sends and your enunciation.
In my early twenties, I taped an interview for a class project and was horrified to hear myself say “true the park” instead of “through the park.” I only needed to hear it once to eliminate it from my speech forever.
3. Curb destructive comments. They serve no one.
2. Eliminate “the problem with that is…” from your conversations. You might actually learn something.
1. Listen. Really listen. It is the best tool for improving your communication.
Learning how to handle critical conversations in the workplace takes the willingness to learn over the need to be right.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating effectively go to: http://www.communicationskillssuccess.com to claim your FREE Instant Access 6 Part Audio Series – The Power of Effective Communications and the Bonus – Listening Skills Assessment.
Allie Casey is a fun, engaging, speaker, trainer and coach who helps organizations decrease misunderstandings to increase productivity and profits. http://www.alliecasey.com
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my communication skill is very poor so please suggest what should I do to improve my communication skill.
I am not able to express myself infront of group of people and my face and body language is also not good.