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Business Communication

Communication Skills

Effective communication skills are essential in conducting a successful business meeting. An effective communicator is taken seriously. People listen to what is being said and engage in dialogue. Effective communication requires deciphering the basic values, motives, aspirations, and assumptions that operate across geographical lines. Given some dramatic differences across cultures in approaches to such areas as time, space, and privacy, the opportunities for mis-communication while we are in cross-cultural situations are plentiful. Skill in communication involves a number of specific strengths especially listening skills. The following lists some suggestions for effective listening when confronted with a problem by a subordinate.
• Listen openly and with empathy to the other person
• Judge the content, not the messenger or delivery; comprehend before you judge
• Ask the other person for as much detail as he/she can provide; paraphrase what the other is saying to make sure you understand it and check for understanding
• Respond in an interested way that shows you understand the problem and the employee's concern
• Attend to non-verbal cues, body language, not just words; listen between the lines
• State your position openly; be specific
• Communicate your feelings but don't act them out (eg. tell a person that his behavior really upsets you; don't get angry)
• Don't totally control conversation; acknowledge what was said
• Own up: use "I", not "They"... not "I've heard you are noncooperative"
• Don't react to emotional words, but interpret their purpose
• Practice supportive listening, not one way listening
• Decide on specific follow-up actions and specific follow up dates

Effective communicators are aware that defensiveness is a typical response in a work situation especially when negative information or criticism is involved. Be aware that defensiveness is common, particularly with subordinates when you are...