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EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATIONS
Supervisory
success depends, to a great degree, on how effective one
communicates through speaking, writing, reading and positive body
language. What kind of an impression do you leave with
subordinates, superiors and customers?
Because
we routinely communicate on a daily basis one would think that we
should become expert in this regard. However, taking
communications for granted would be a big mistake as there are
many barriers to effective communications—which include the
following 10 items:
-
the
environment
-
noise
-
stress
-
judgment
-
knowledge
-
emotions
-
biases
and prejudice
-
language
-
fatigue
-
distractions
Although
most supervisors and managers are promoted into these positions
because they have proven to be dependable effective workers—the
responsibilities of a supervisor, and above, are much greater.
Passive
Listening
We
hear but not necessarily are we listening to what is being said.
Feigning listening! Do you think, as a supervisor or manager, that
others will not recognize your apparent disinterest in them? How
will this effect workplace relationships?
Active
Listening
Persons
in authority are generally ‘action oriented’ individuals. They
want to get the job done. Do they, then, have the time to listen
to what others are saying? Those that are most effective do. Being
able to actively listen—listen with more than your ears—is an
asset that cannot be overstated.
Feedback
Accepting
and giving feedback is an essential part of effective
communications. Although it is the responsibility of the sender to
effectively communicate their message, the receiver must share in
this responsibility by providing feedback—if we are to have a
mutual understanding of the issue. We call it 360 degree feedback.
Effective
Feedback
Effective
feedback promotes open and honest communications where everyone
has a clear understanding of the issues and where goals can be
achieved.
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