Communication In The Workplace
If you're anything like me, from Monday thru Friday you spend most of your waking hours at your place of employment. On average most Americans spend
from 10 – 12 hours a day at work. And again, if you are like me, you spend a good deal of that time talking. Talking to clients, talking to co-workers, and
taking to your boss. With all that talking going on, it’s obvious that using good communication skills in the workplace is important.
Is Formal or Informal Speech Appropriate?
What is formal and informal speech? Well, formal speech is the way you would speak if you had to have a conversation with someone very important, like the
President, or the bank employee who you hope will give your loan request his/her stamp of approval. On the other hand, informal speech is the manner of speaking
you would use with your friends or relatives. What is the proper type of speech to use at your place of employment?
Take A Cue From the “Movers and Shakers”
The best way to find out whether you should use strictly formal speech at your place of employment or not is by taking a look at what the “movers and shakers” are
doing. They are the employees whose career is advancing and seem to have friends in high places. Do they use perfect grammar or do they let split infinitives, double
negatives and colloquialism slip out all the time. If you are interested in getting ahead in the work place, then take your cue from the people who are doing just that.
Have a Kind Word for Everyone
Regardless of the position you hold at your firm, be ready to say a friendly “good morning” or some other kind word to anyone you come in contact with at your place of
employment, whether it’s the CEO or the person who takes out the trash. It makes you a better human being, and makes the workplace more enjoyable for all. After all, file
clerks have become CEOs.
Stay Up to Date in Your Field
Do you want to always have plenty to say that is of interest to your coworkers or your employer? Then keep up to date with what’s going on in your field. Read the available
trade magazines and visit pertinent websites. Being able to hold an intelligent and interesting conversation on new developments in your line of work will help make you an
invaluable employee who can communicate well in the work place.
Keep It Down and Be Discreet
In all honesty, no one spends every moment at work talking about work related subjects. Weddings, new babies, who got a nose job and the like, are discussed by the water
cooler in offices the world over. Though not many managers will begrudge you a few moments of downtime, having loud and boisterous conversations over the tops of cubicle walls
is not a great idea. It’s unprofessional and distracting to those who are still working. So, enjoy the company of your co-workers when your workload allows it, but keep it
down and be discreet.
Don't Be Offensive
The laws against sexual harassment in the workplace that are on the books in the US and other nations make it wise to be mindful of what you say at work. Dirty jokes, course
language and off color remarks may not seem like a big deal, but some people may find them very offensive and by law they don't have to put up with it. Since the workplace
should be a safe, comfortable and non-threatening environment for all, perhaps it’s best to save those jokes and the like for after hours.
Communication in the Workplace (in conclusion)
The tips mentioned above should get you well on the way to becoming a master in the art of communication in the work place. By keeping them in mind, you can make your workday
more enjoyable, and give a healthy boost to your career.
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