8 tips to improving your workplace communication style - and keeping your job

June 16, 11:47 AMNY Workplace ExaminerEmily Waters

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We all desire to be innately understood as the unique beings we are, not just personally by our family and close friends, but professionally as well. More often than not communication issues bleed into our workplace on a daily basis, adding significant and unnecessary tension as we go about our day that we wind up bringing into our homes-our respite and peaceful haven from the chaotic world. The appearance of conflict is ubiquitous and certainly inevitable, but knowing a few tips for handling communication dilemmas at one’s place of work can increase one’s quality of life at work leading one to a happier and more productive person on the job, thereby carrying less of a burden on one’s shoulders when coming home.

Unfortunately the way we are perceived by our colleagues at work is in their eyes a reflection of who we are as individuals. With that in mind, it is best to make a lasting impression not just on the very first day of one’s job, but going forward into one’s respective careers.

1. Get to know your coworkers in a realistic light- It is impossible to know every individual’s personality type at your workplace. However, what is possible is in the interim to gauge what may “tick” someone off, and what, on the contrary may please them. Adjust yourself and your personality accordingly. The general rule of thumb is not to probe too much into why they are behaving a certain way towards you or others, because the more you overanalyze the more you will internalize the situation, and perceive them as acting in a hostile manner towards you, for example. This can lead to a vicious cycle of you acting similarly, which of course can lead to an unpleasant work environment. People are built in so many different ways, and all too often it is just the temperament they were born into, so do not take a personal affront to anything they say or do, and simply adjust yourself to their personality.
2. Steer clear of becoming the gossipmonger- The more you become entangled in it, the more you may be jeopardizing your position. Chances are if someone is talking to you about someone else, they are doing the exact same thing behind your back about you. If someone has got the gift of gab, just listen, and smile, but then proceed back to accomplishing your work. This rule applies to all of your colleagues, but most importantly, and undoubtedly when talking about your boss behind his/her back, or to someone who is “higher” up than you on the hierarchical ladder. People in your organization may get the wrong impression of you, because you are the content of what you say, and whom you associate yourself with.
3. Better sooner rather than later- If you feel that something was misunderstood between you and your colleague, or if you feel that something is just not quite right, it is best to address the issue earlier rather than later. If one waits too long, more issues could fester in the interim and corrode your working relationship and ethos with others. It is best to approach and tackle the situation directly, however uncomfortable it may be, so that you seek clarity and resolve the issue immediately. One must remember the old adage which states: it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” Any dilemma can be resolved if two parties are willing to communicate properly, and play their respective parts. Simply being straightforward, diplomatic and polite is the key. This also applies regarding miscommunication with upper management.
4. Effective Teambuilding-When working on a project that involves more than one person, to ensure that no one is micromanaging the team or dominating the flow of a particular project, it is ideal to incorporate the best aspects of one’s skill which can enable oneself to feel unrestricted by bringing their own flair and creativity to the table. With this method, no one will feel left out, group harmony and cohesion will be achieved, and each member can have something of value to contribute.
5. Respect individual differences while avoiding controversial topics- This may seem overly trite, but it is true nonetheless. Your coworkers may have different belief and value systems, and respecting their core values while avoiding topics such as race, religion and/or politics will keep your professional record squeaky clean.
6. Avoid getting personal on the job-Your workplace is not your therapist office. Beware of disclosing too much personal information about your personal life, or job related issues to others. This does not necessarily mean you should remain aloof. It is not a paradoxical notion to remain friendly, yet professional. Controlling your emotions in the workplace is also very crucial. You do not want to be perceived by upper management or your colleagues as the one who constantly “loses control.”
7. Morale Booster-If you feel that your office environment reeks of negative energy, or if you see that many people are particularly stressed, it would be a lovely gesture on your part to become the stress reducer. For example, bring in donuts and coffee for breakfast. This small gesture is more symbolic than anything else. Others in the organization will perceive you in a positive light as the one who uplifts the organization in times of stress or crises especially in this economic downturn.
8. Master the art of listening, and observing-Listening is far from a passive skill. Become an observer by speaking less, and by listening to others most, if not all of the time. Not only will you be a more productive individual at work, and your advice sought, but you will also stay out of trouble.

Getting along with co-workers and effectively communicating with your colleagues seems like a sensible task to accomplish, yet more often than not it is underestimated, or even worse ignored. It may make or break your desire to leave your place of work, perhaps second to leaving because of your boss. Employing these simple, yet effective strategies can enhance your quality of life at work, so that you will become a winning and shining star not just in the eyes of your colleagues, but in the eyes of your employer as well.