Bad communication practices can lead to mismanagement, low morale, and conflict. If you’re finding that you’re repeatedly being misunderstood, the problem probably lies with you. Communication is a bit of an art. You need to get your information across without sharing too much or too little. Too much and you could overwhelm your recipient with unnecessary information that buries your point. Too little and you risk being misunderstood or generally causing confusion. Develop a communication strategy that works for you and your staff. Avoid these seven common workplace communication errors.
Not using technology effectively
Technology is constantly changing, so it’s important to keep on top of the latest and most effective communications technology. You’re probably not using a lot of written memos anymore, but you may be using technology that has already been surpassed. You might even think that email is the final frontier of effective office communication, but it too has had its heyday. There are now more effective solutions, such as DeskAlerts that are gradually replacing older kinds of digital communication like email.
Not having a goal
If you lack an objective things will not go well. “Before you communicate your information, be sure you’ve sorted out just exactly what you’re trying to do. Clear communication needs to be purposeful; anything else will simply confuse people and cause frustration,” recommends Benjamin Turner, HR consultant at Boomessays and Study Demic.
Lack of feedback
Being receptive to constructive criticism and feedback is important. Communication should not just be heading in one direction. It’s crucial to ask for feedback so that you can find out if the information was relayed properly and understood by its recipient. You’ll never know if your communications are working as they should if you don’t ask.
Depending on the hierarchy
It’s a very common practice for information to be communicated from upper management, and then making it’s way down to the rest of the staff. “Relying on the hierarchy is a poor model for effective communication. It often results in a slow process in which data is lost and mismanaged,” advises Glenda Hale, HR manager and blogger at Essayroo and Viawriting.
No respecting privacy
Technologies such as smartphones, email, and social media have changed how people think about privacy. These new factors have made it much easier to accidentally overshare sensitive information about ourselves, others, and the company. When you’re communicating information that is sensitive, be sure to ensure the recipient knows it should not be passed on any further. When you receive information you believe to be sensitive, guard it carefully. Being diligent with sensitive information is critical to the viability of your company. Don’t ever pass on sensitive information unless it is necessary and you have been instructed to do so.
Not repeating yourself
A lot of people don’t like to repeat themselves because they find it frustrating. But repeating your message is often just part of making sure it gets through to everyone. You’ll probably find yourself using multiple channels to communicate information, it just goes with the territory. A lot of times it helps to say things in different ways to keep people interested and maintain a healthy level of engagement. The best thing you can do is accept that you’re going to be repeating yourself, and find ways of being creative with it, while still maintaining a good level of clarity.
Improper use of email
Email can be a very convenient communication tool, sometimes a little too convenient. It’s important to know when to use email, and when not to use it. Delivering bad news via email is generally a bad idea, even if it is convenient for you. Anytime you’re concerned your message could be misunderstood or misinterpreted it’s best to not use email. Say it in person. Or if logistically that is very difficult, take the time to make a phone call, or have a video chat. In many of these situations, the person on the other end will have feedback and questions, which are much better handled in a conversation. Of course, there are plenty of times when an email is an appropriate method of delivering information, just make sure your message is written well. Bigassignments and UKWritings can help you write accurate business emails.
Conclusion
Maintaining clear and effective channels of communication is critical to success in any workplace. The more you are able to keep the right people informed about the right things, the
This was a guest post by Freddie Tubbs :
Freddie Tubbs is an internal communication professional at Academized. He regularly contribute articles to public relations and marketing blogs, and works as a part-time business writer at Paper Fellows and Australian help.
GET THE COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK
