Effective business communication and relationship building are both essential components of a positive work environment. Studies have proven that humans have a natural desire to relate to other human beings, and humans hope to connect with other humans and be accepted into the tribe.
This becomes more magnified in a family enterprise. Add family dynamics to the mix, and the outcomes become multi-dimensional.
Leaders are responsible for the way their teams communicate
As leaders, our responsibility is to make the interpersonal communication experiences positive for those we serve. Clubs, teams, associations, societies, and virtual groups can also build relationships and gather in cyberspace. We like to collect and associate with other like-minded people by our very genetic makeup. Our desire to be accepted and desired is compelling, sometimes overly so, for many of us. Social rejection for certain members of our population can be overwhelming.
As a leader, solid team member, a manager, and good human being, we are responsible for communicating clearly with candor and respect in all our daily communications. Sometimes this concept is more straightforward said than done.
Periodically we are tested to our limits, so Relationship Building is a skill set. This is why relationship-building at work is essential for organizational success, and again, even more so for the family business. Boundaries become critical for success. It begins personally, then impacts professionally, resulting organizationally in a strong culture.
Tips and tricks to communicate better at work
Building relationships is vital for better understanding and consensus as the world becomes smaller, with so many differing opinions and beliefs. I have put together a few thoughts I have on the Communication and Relationship building below.
Communication is verbal and non-verbal; it is more about listening than speaking. We talk about Active Listening regularly here at JRCI; many of us get that part wrong. When we take a breath to listen, we often gather thoughts for our next speaking volley. Not a good communication strategy when you think about it.
Check out the ideas below to help you to build positive relationships at work:
- Listen actively to understand better what is communicated. Listen with your ears and your eyes. Sometimes the words are not the best listener.
- Take care in understanding the behavior and communication style the other person is coming from. If you cannot determine the style, DiSC is a system you might consider to develop this skill better. (JRCI offers DiSC assessments to improve your business effectiveness!)
- Set out with the sole purpose of understanding what the other person wants to communicate. You may learn something by not focusing entirely on your point of view.
- To compromise is not weak. When compromising, we can build consensus, which is good. In the end, for good relationships and good communication, everyone must have their needs met.
- Managing your emotions is always a good thing when communicating for success. To be passionate is good, but always be respectful. Sometimes our emotions can get the best of us. It is always better not to wish you had a "Do-over". Check it up.
- Watch out for hurtful language, and do not engage. Inbound hurtful words can trigger a response you cannot take back. Identify and ask for clarity, but do not respond in kind. If you do, they take control, and you will be on your heels in the interaction. Avoid the temptation of defensive behaviors, and take the high road.
- Take gentle control of the conversation and guide the process. I do not mean to be overbearing here at all, and I do mean a good communication engagement has a purpose and should generate a positive outcome. Make sure to give and take, but keep it moving in the right direction.
- Always be empathetic in your approach. Demonstrating thoughtfulness is always a good thing. You do not need to take on the world's problems, but showing your care is essential in earning trust.
- Validation of opinions, feelings, and actions when appropriate is an excellent method of relationship building. A simple nod, a verbal cue, or a good look in the eye adds value to all interactions, demonstrating you are present and engaged in the moment.
- As mentioned above, the non-verbal communication usually has more value than the words in most interactions. Sometimes the comments do not match the physical actions. The tone is an excellent clue-giver as well. It's not always what you say, and it's how you say it, right? So observe all the communication clues and ensure you are also presenting what you are saying!
- Always, always and always communicate with the intent to maximize the result of the engagement. Everyone in the communication should walk away with clarity and a better understanding of what happened. The follow-up is often lost in the shuffle, and a good follow-up and a recap at the end are good practices.
There it is.
Are you an effective business communicator? Are you engaging these simple but sometimes overlooked principles? Most of us do and don't even know it. How do you communicate? Are you working to build your relationships in the workplace every day? Intentionally?
Practice Effective Business Communication Daily
I have demonstrated building relationships at work is important. It is now up to you to build the relationships you desire. Would you follow you?
Communication and building relationships are at the heart of leadership as we work to be the best at what we do. These fundamental skills allow us to accomplish our goals personally, professionally, and organizationally. They define how you execute is where the rubber meets the road. When we attach emotion, unhealthy emotions to our communication, we get into trouble.
"The assumption is the root of all communication evil!"
Jeff Rogers, CPMBC
Engage with purpose and build your effective communication skill set in the workplace. Relationship building takes care and intentional effort. Please make no mistake about it.
Make it fun and be your authentic self.
