Communication
happens by many different means. The way we communicate can show complete
attention and engagement in the conversation. It can also indicate that a
participant is not paying attention or is not fully engaged in the conversation.
There can also be mixed signals sent. A few aspects of effective communication
are:
- Knowing your topic
Knowledge competency is the ability to “understand
the…communication environment,” ( Shockley-Zalabak, 2012, p. 7). To not know your topic is to invite
misinterpretation and miscommunication. In our business, we have to take time
to ensure that everyone is knows their topics and that we are all communicating
about the same topics. This makes a
great deal of difference in the quality of messages that are sent and received.
- Earning trust
This is important in our business. Everyone is getting used to each other. Learning
to trust everyone in their given roles can be a challenge, but it makes
communication a smoother process. It seems as if there is less talking “at” and
more talking “to” our partner and co-workers if we are working to build trust.
- Communicating
during conflicts.
How we handle conflict determines how
further communications are handled. Effectively navigating communication during
conflict means that we respond to conflict situations in a way that diffuses
the potential for destructive behaviors and words (Abigail & Cahn, 2011).
- Changing tactics.
“When communication stops, what is the best way to repair it?
Communicate!” advises an article by Arthur and Kim Nowlin (2011). Stopping
communication does not resolve conflict. My husband and I have learned that
when we are not communicating in a way that is positively seeking a resolution,
we change tactics. If I am angry and attempt to stop communicating, my husband makes
me laugh. I am disarmed by laughter and humor. It diffuses anger with me. My
husband understands when this tactic is best or when he should try something
else.
References
Abigail, R. & Cahn,
D. (2011). Managing conflict through communication
(4TH edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Nowlin, A. & Nowlin,
K. (2011). What to do when we’re not talking. Michigan Chronicle (74) (39).
Shockley-Zalabek, P.
(2012). Fundamentals of organizational
communication: knowledge, sensitivity, skills, values (8th
edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
