Lack of communication in the workplace?                                                                                           

Ever had that sinking feeling when you get up in the morning to go to work? There might be a colleague that takes constant credit for your ideas or a boss that do not value what you bring to the table or do not deliver on promises that he or she made. The problem is that most people need their jobs to survive and are reluctant to act on abuse.

We spend on average 49 hours per week at work, 9 hours travelling to work and back, 49 hours sleeping. This leaves approximately 51 hours per week left for family and recreation. It would be ideal if you could be happy at work, but the reality is that most people are not happy at their place of work. It all boils down to relationships and communication. If you are an introvert your extroverted colleagues might get the impression that you think that you think that you are too good to socialize with them and it might leave you feeling isolated. On the other hand, if you do socialize at work, it can have disastrous consequences for your family life. No matter how you look at it, you are in catch 22 and it seems almost impossible to find a balance.

The question would be, would you have the guts to walk into your bosses office and say “I am unhappy about you not delivering on your promises” or “I know the company is suffering but I need that company car that you promised me a year ago” or go to your colleague and say “if you ever steal my ideas in future I will report you to head office”. Most people are afraid they will lose their jobs if they stand up for themselves and therefore take the abuse instead of fighting for what they believe in. A little communication changes the way you are perceived at work. Are you seen as the weak hard-working steppingstone or are you seen as the hardworking leader that will stand up for yourself. The latter is more likely not to be taken for granted.

Poor or no communication at work can lead to a major disconnect between what is said and the understanding thereof. If your colleagues don’t know exactly what you expect from them, they will not give it to you?

Flipside

Imagine a perfect World with happy and content workers that have enormous respect for a boss that they feel understand their needs. This is possible if your company values great communicators. Strong and effective teams are built on strong and effective communication. High staff turnover has a negative impact on the finances of any company. Empathy and the ability to listen is an essential attribute to have when dealing with staff.

Tips on achieving this:

• Start with greeting your co-workers every morning with a warm smile.
• Do not ask one answer questions like “how was your vacation?” rather ask “What did you do on your vacation?” Just this one method of questioning invites them to share something special with you. It might seem unimportant, but it will open up conversation and mutual understanding of one another.
• Be open minded about others culture and personal interests. Open mindedness promotes a non-judgemental and safe working environment. This will open communication channels with all people. You do not have to respond; you only need to be a good listener.
• When brainstorming in the boardroom, listen to reason and ask all parties to voice their point of view. That quiet introverted person in the office might have the most ingenious idea that will elevate your project to the next level.
• Always give positive feedback and avoid the word “but” in all feedbacks.

   Healthy communication at work can lead to an extremely successful business? Employees will always know what you expect from them, and co-workers and clients will trust you with their ideas and business.