Miscommunication is bound to happen in the workplace. People at the workplace come from different backgrounds and paradigms. It is useless to expect them to be 100% like us. How we perceive statements or how we deliver them may be misinterpreted. The higher officer is more responsible in reducing the miscommunication especially if the communication comes from the top.  Whether it is the tone of the letter, the content, the pitch of the voice, the facial expressions, the more responsible person to minimize the miscommunication is still the higher official.

Having effective interpersonal communication skills is imperative to having excellent relationships at work (and at home). It means that you are able to communicate your messages clearly and concisely, with minimum misunderstandings. It also means that you are able to decode the messages sent to you. You willingly ask for others opinions and make them comfortable doing so without feeling too defensive about yourself and what you represent.  To be able to do that one must first master self then one can begin mastering the his surroundings.

 

PROGRAMME

Clearing your mind and emotions
Mastery of self begins here.  Thoughts not relevant to the upcoming conversations must be removed otherwise, it will cause distraction or it may lead to a path that is not relevant.  Even if you have made up your mind, try to be open-minded about new ideas or approaches.  Emotions can be deceiving, try to be at the center, the most tranquil state in order to avoid being deceived by your own emotions.   

Showing interest while you listen
Showing no interest intentionally or unintentionally is a sign of disrespect and immaturity.  This can harm ones reputation as an employee no matter what rank he is.  Managers and higher ranks should be the best examples in showing interest in others.  Self-centered people are incapable of this.  But that can be cured. 

Listening and observing
Never overestimate your ability to understand people and what they are trying to say.  It is not as easy as one might think.  But with conscious effort, miscommunication will be minimized.  One must listen to the words being spoken but one must also go beyond that and observe the tone and the body language. 
Clarifying the perceived message
After receiving the message, clarify, clarify and clarify.  Misunderstanding has haunted many organizations.  What was thought to be a harmless miscommunication has led to bigger problems.  The goal is to clarify the message you received before responding.
 
Showing appreciation
Yes this is also a skill, mainly because it must be learned well.  People who seldom thanked others for their efforts or time are perceived to be arrogant or manipulative.  On the other hand, people who regularly thank other people for their efforts and time are perceived to be respectful, gracious, and sometimes even reasonable.  More gratitude in the workplace means a more positive atmosphere, which is beneficial for everyone. 

Packaging your message
Speak your message clearly and concisely.  Back it up with explanation if you must but make sure that it is brief enough so the main message is not cluttered.  Use the appropriate tone and show the appropriate emotion.  Disagree if you must but begin all messages with a positive note. 

Avoiding these
There are actions and practices that one must avoid in order to be effective in interpersonal communication.   It may range from prejudices to insecurities to dominating a conversation, to not valuing the time invested with colleagues, to wasting precious time being too defensive and more.  Avoiding these pitfalls will be a lot of help in ones professional relationship. 

Benefits
Participants will learn to clear their minds and emotions before they engage other people in the workplace.
  • Participants will learn to listen with interest.
  • Participants will learn to be more observant of others.
  • Participants will learn to clarify the perceived message.
  • Participants will learn to show appreciation more frequently.
  • Participants will learn to package their message in a more positive way.
  • Participants will learn to avoid possible sources of miscommunication.

 

 

 

Produced and Organized by:

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Winner - The Gold Quill Award for the Achievers & Leaders (ALS) Seminar 2005

Winner - The Anvil Award of Excellence for Institutional & Corporate Programs for John Maxwell Leadership Summit  2004 

Winner - Araw Gold Award, Philippine Ad Congress - Tom Peters Live! Seminar 2003