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Whenever I ask people in a work
setting, "What would improve work, profits and customer service the most where
you work?" the answer is almost always "Better communication!"
Once the problem is noted, the next
question is, "What are some effective ways to improve communication without
breaking the bank?" Workshops on communication might be the place to start, but
the long term answer is the day to day simple stuff. Many of the most effective
ways to improve communication cost very little and require very little time on
the part of anyone.
Top Ten Ways to Communicate @
Work Effectively!
ONE: Learn How to "Read"
People. Anyone who has read the newsletter, "Communication @ Work!" over the
last several months has become a little familiar with the DiSC Personal Profile
System®. I like the DiSC because it is easy to learn and an effective tool for
learning how to "read" people. When you know what motivates individuals, you can
respond to them effectively and efficiently.
TWO: Display Pictures of
Yourself with Co-Workers. In the Fortune edition mentioned above, Agilent, a
spin off of Hewlett Packard describe ways they used to successfully communicate.
The CEO gladly had his picture taken with individual employees as he made it a
point to visit with them regularly.
THREE: Hide Not the Truth.
If you are into reducing conflict, be up front with everyone in the workplace.
Hiding important information that can affect working conditions, profits and
customer service will probably cause way more trouble than it's worth.
FOUR: Under Promise, Over
Deliver. Two times in the last couple of weeks, I was told I would have to wait
for service. The first time was at a restaurant who said I would have a 45
minute wait for a table. The other was my brake mechanic who said it would take
him 90 minutes to complete his work. I was seated in 25 minutes at the
restaurant, and was driving my car away in 65 minutes! What a great gift.
FIVE: "Out Honor" Your
Co-Workers. Take the risk of having others take advantage of you. Cross the line
first rather than waiting for the other person to communicate first. In other
words, give the gift before you receive it.
SIX: Learn Something New
about Someone. When you are curious (not snoopy!) about the people at work, you
are giving them respect. People love to be respected! Find out how their family
is doing, or more about their favor hobby.
SEVEN: Notify Spouses and
Family. Speaking of respect, a card of thanks or acknowledgement sent to a
spouse or parent can go a long way to improve communication with your employees.
EIGHT: Invite the Kids. When
I was a kid, my Dad often took me with him in his work. As a minister, that
meant calling on people in the rest homes, going to weddings and occasionally
watching him rope calves at a branding event. This is a great way to communicate
pride in your work.
NINE: Invite Ideas. People
love to work where their ideas are valued. Most everyone notices how to improve
the bottom line, but many want to be invited to share their thoughts.
TEN: Give Credit Away Even
When It's Your Idea! Anytime you can build up another person at your own
expense, you have a good shot at improving the communication at work. Positive
communication can be just as contagious as people who are disgruntled.
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