Introduction
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw. If you are a General Manager swimming in corporate waters, chances are you have come across some notorious communication icebergs. There's more might beneath the surface, ready to catch you off guard! This blog shares 5 practical strategies to breathe life back into those corporate dialogues.
The Silent Assassin: Email Overload
Ever spent an entire day replying to emails to realize you've done nothing substantial? You are not alone. Over 60% of employees spend 13 hours a week on emails. Time for a revamp! Let’s start by implementing "Email-Free Fridays." The silence might scare you, but it's just the sound of productivity rising.
The Untapped Potential: Constructive Feedback
Feedback is not about pointing out flaws, it's about growth. And what's better than 'feed-forward'? Instead of focusing on past mistakes, feed-forward provides suggestions for future improvements. No more catfights in the breakroom, just a lot of growth.
The Misunderstood Concept: Active Listening
The difference between listening and hearing is the difference between success and failure. Active listening involves understanding, responding, and remembering the conversation. So, the next time someone talks, we hope you don't just hear ye, we hope you also listen (wink).
The Ignored Aspect: Non-Verbal Communication
93% of all communication is non-verbal. From that raised eyebrow to the folded arms, every gesture speaks volumes about a person's state. It's high time we master this art!
The Under-utilized Strategy: Empathy
Remember reading that a happy employee is a productive one? Here's a secret sauce called 'empathy.' Aim to understand rather than judge, and watch your corporate kingdom thrive.
Conclusion
When our communication channels work effectively, it’s like a well-oiled machine — each part functioning beautifully in its designated role. Isn't that a wonderful picture?
References
[1] Pfeffer, J. (2013). Cut the BS: Emails at Work. Harvard Business Review.
[2] Goldsmith, M. (2012). Try FeedForward Instead of Feedback. Leader to Leader.
[3] Stiff, J. B., & Mongeau, P. (2016). Persuasive Communication.
[4] Pease, A. (2017). The Definitive Book of Body Language.
[5] Goleman, D. (2011). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.
