I’m often asked, “What can I do differently to improve my communication skills in the workplace?” Let’s speak realistically — for a change — about what you can do today to be a better team communicator. Well, just flip the teamwork coin over and adopt these positive viewpoints to promote open lines of communication in teamwork:
1. MAKE NO ONE THE FALL GUY OR GAL. Solve problems instead of trying to fix people or affix blame.
2. KEEP AN OPEN MIND TO HEAR NEW SOLUTIONS TO OLD PROBLEMS. Calm your mind and really listen to the opinions of those around you.
3. MODERATION. Look for the middle ground when you’re feeling too riled up emotionally. Refuse to go to extremes — don’t become a fear-driven or anger-driven griper and whiner.
4. FAIRNESS. Don’t expect others to behave in ways that aren’t demonstrated in your own walk of life. Example: How can you fairly expect others to be on time when you are perpetually late?
5. KNOW THE TWO COMMUNICATOR TYPES TO WHOM YOU ARE SPEAKING. If you can’t list three key differences between Empathizer-type and Instigator-type communicators, then you are not licensed to drive on the two-way communication highway.
6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. We all need to be validated through even small recognitions that our efforts are far more appreciated than our goofs.
7. THINK BEFORE SPEAKING. You can drain your customer’s or co-worker’s bank accounts with a single episode or “out-of-mouth experience” that leaves psychic bodies strewn all around.
8. PUT AN END TO WORRYING. Disrupt your worry? Yes, the Talk To Me tools will help you quickly do away with unproductive worrying, which causes silos in the workplace to be built like mad and the resentment flu to spread.
9. KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN. Talking openly is frequently uncomfortable because we are often in the midst of the unknown, seeking to find out why what we’ve been doing hasn’t worked and why we still persist in doing it.
WHAT CREATES A STRONG TEAM?
A strong team is created anew each day by using clear goals and open and honest communication, while looking for ways to acclaim instead of blame.
WHO IS COMMUNICATIONS PSYCHOLOGIST DENNIS E. O’GRADY, PSY.D.?
Dr. Dennis O’Grady is a Dayton region corporate trainer, keynote speaker, relationship communication coach. Dennis is the developer of the innovative person- and results-driven Talk to Me© effective leadership and teamwork communication system. For 30 years, Dr. O’Grady has focused on improving effective communication, constructive team relationships, and change management. His latest book, Talk to Me: Communication Moves To Get Along with Anyone, is available at www.drogrady.com or at Amazon.