Much of what we try to communicate in management jobs to others tends to get misunderstood, which can cause conflict and frustration in our professional relationships. Understanding the difference between words and meaning is a vital capability for effective communications and relationships. Social commentator John Ruskin (1819-1900) elegantly put it by saying that “The essence of lying is in deception, not in words.”
Professor Albert Mehrabian has pioneered the understanding of communications since the 1960s. Aside from his many and various other fascinating works, Mehrabian’s research provided the basis for the widely quoted and often much oversimplified statistic for the effectiveness of spoken communications.
More precise representation of Mehrabian’s findings than is typically cited or applied:
- 7% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in the words that are spoken
- 38% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is paralinguistic (the way that the words are said)
- 55% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in facial expression.
By mastering some of these valuable communication skills, you too can better connect with your co-workers.
Find below our 10 step effective communication guide for management jobs
1. Listen: Successful listening means not just understanding the words or the information being communicated, but also the emotion behind what is being said.
2. Observe nonverbal communication: The way you look, listen, move, and react to another person tells them more about how you’re feeling than words alone ever can.
3. Keep it simple: Effective leaders distil complex thoughts and strategies into precise terms that colleagues can grasp and act upon. Say what you mean in as few words as possible.
4. Don’t assume: Don’t make assumptions about your listener’s knowledge. Be specific and explicit about what you want to communicate. Also, check that the listener has understood you correctly.
5. Minimize stress: Stress can be a major barrier to effective communication, so try to remain calm and focused at all times.
6. Pause: Don’t say the first thing that comes into your mind. Instead take a moment and pay close attention to what you want to say and how to say it.
7. Use humor: Use your sense of humor to break the ice, to lower barriers, and gain the affection of others.
8. Don’t raise your voice: Being louder doesn’t necessarily make you clearer. It just makes the recipient defensive.
9. Speak from the heart: If you want to appear credible to the other person, don’t mince words. Instead, speak directly and genuinely from the heart.
10. Smile: If you smile often and stay cheerful, people are more likely to respond positively to you.
And having listed all these good things, we wish you a great communication day in your management jobs! 🙂
