Business Communication Acumen

How do you communicate coaching to an employee who does not accept negative feedback? What is the best way to challenge a senior leader's obsolete business approach while sharing an innovative and effective way to conduct business? What is the best way to resolve personality conflicts in the office? 

While various work situations can create a strain on your organizational freelance opportunities, it is important to leverage the value of effective business communication skills. A wise human resource manager once told me to remember the value of good communication skills. If there is a lingering issue, assess the situation and determine the best path to resolution. Then communicate and implement ways to solve the problem.

If there is another party involved, make an effort to have an honest and non-blaming dialogue with the other person with the goal of mutual resolution. This may sound like a mystical unicorn, but it does not hinder your professional effort to make an attempt to solve the problem at hand. Even if the issue is a simple personality conflict, consider using an unbiased mediator who can balance the conversation between you and the other person or persons. 

 

Moreover, ramp up your active listening skills by ensuring  you are fully engaged in the communication process. Try not to multitask when someone is communicating with you. Your ability to leverage solid business communications skills in the office are based on your ability to focus what you need to communicate. Here a few tips:

• Respect the other person's opinion
• Ask clarifying questions
• Answer clearly and concisely
• Listen 
• Provide sources to support your data
• Build consensus through small group coordination 
• Reduce the complexity of your message so it is readily understandable
• Develop a back up plan
• Avoid distractions
• Provide feedback
• Be willing to receive feedback (the good, the bad and something in between)