Communication in the Workplace

Communication in the workplace is important, yet it often seems like co-workers and employees get thrown together without a lot of coaching as to how to make things work for the best. But good communication enhances work performance, helps the workplace run more smoothly, and generally makes for happier employees and managers.

Here are some success tips for communication in the workplace.

Conflict Happens

Many employees and managers don’t want to think about having conflicts, so they don’t consider how to handle them ahead of time. They’re not prepared when conflicts inevitably arise. Also, understanding that conflict is a normal (if somewhat unpleasant) aspect of working together helps you take the problem less personally.

Handling Conflict

Part of good communication is handling conflict effectively. Here are some tips for dealing with conflict when it happens in the workplace.

* Stay out of it when appropriate. The argument or conflict may not involve you, at least not directly, and getting involved may only complicate matters.

* Avoid generalizations if you are involved in the conflict, especially ones that use the words “always” or “never.” Be specific – instead of, “I am always asked to work overtime and my neighbor in the next office never is,” say something more like, “I was asked to work overtime three times last week, and I didn’t see anyone else being asked.” It’s better to present specifics.

* It’s not personal, most likely; conflicts usually arise because of something the manager is not doing effectively or some other outside issue. Try to look at your co-worker as your partner in solving the problem.

Make Sure Others Understand

When you ask others to do something for you or assign projects, make sure the people you’re speaking to really understand what you’ve asked them to do. It can help save a lot of headaches if you clarify with everyone and ask if there are any questions. Also, keep yourself open to questions throughout the project. Once again, a lot of problems can be avoided by saving employees from trying to figure things out on their own.

Connect

If you don’t like your job or just aren’t a natural social butterfly, it can be challenging to connect with others in the workplace. But it’s a good idea – you never know if that guy in the IT department you went to lunch with might advise you on a personal computer problem someday, or if there are interests you share with a co-worker in a neighboring office or cubicle that might lead to fun times outside of work. Maybe he/she has kids the same age as yours, or maybe he/she lives in your neighborhood.

And one more perk about connecting via good communication – if you ever want to leave your job, it’s good to have connections.