Maintaining a good working relationship with your direct superiors or top management in the company requires both sides to play an active role. Today, we will be looking from the perspective of an employee to see how we can do our part in promoting effective communication. Here are six awesome ways to go about it:
Tip #1: Know your audience
Just like you, your boss would have their own preference on what type of communication they prefer, and they too would have their own unique personality. Understanding all different aspects of this would help you to adapt your own communication style to match theirs and avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication.
Example: Your leader’s style
Your leader prefers to have one-to-one sessions instead of sending out emails on the progress of your work.
What you can do
Block his or her time on a bi-weekly basis or weekly basis ahead of time, for just a quick 15 minute update on what you are up to. This way, it helps your leader to understand your workload capacity and you get to manage your leaders’ expectations. Not to mention, it will be a platform to share the challenges or feedback you may have in regards to a particular project, for instance.
Tip #2: Be intentional
Before you even meet up with your leader, make a note of exactly what you plan to discuss and the desired output of the meeting you are looking to achieve.
This will help tremendously to ensure you have clarity and direction to guide the conversation accordingly. The goal is for you and your leader to have an effective conversation and a clear understanding of next steps.
Pro-tip: If you are nervous, as you might be new in the company, or you have a new direct superior, practice beforehand and practise your facial expression in front of the mirror. Practice makes perfect!
Tip #3: Be an active listener
Sometimes, when striving for effective communication, one does not always have to do the talking. It’s crucial to know how to be an active listener - you are able to take in their perspective of things and acknowledge their way of thinking. Life is not one-dimensional, and it is nice to have diverse types of personalities - it makes the world a whole lot more interesting!
One of the more proactive steps in being an active listener is to cultivate an open mind and open heart to accept other ways of doing things and receive constructive feedback.
Tip #4: Ask for feedback and guidance
We are constantly learning and unlearning in our daily lives, be it from a professional standpoint or from your own personal lives. You will be able to grow exponentially with the right guidance.
Leaders generally have a long list of experiences they have gone through to be where they are. Most of them are willing to share their personal tips on how they got through certain hurdles that led them to success - be willing to speak up and ask!
It will be a positive outlook for you if you seek their guidance, as this shows you value their opinion and expertise. It also shows your determination and openness to improve for the better.
Tip #5: Be Transparent
Transparency is crucial to build trust between you and your leader and it forms the foundation of a healthy professional relationship. This trust then allows for more open dialogue, constructive feedback and the ability to address challenges proactively.
Not to mention, it ensures both you and your leader are on the same page. This clarity fosters a more cohesive team environment, making it easier to move forward and take actionable steps in any work-related situation.
#Tip 6: Show recognition and appreciation
Leaders are also normal human beings like us. Communication is a two way street after all. Everyone likes to be appreciated for their hard work and expertise.
Showing expressions does not have to be a big gesture, sometimes a little sticky note on the desk or even a coffee in the morning would already brighten up their day.
Expressing appreciation and recognition shows that you value their support and effort they put in to creates better synergy within the team. It will automatically boost everyone’s morale and motivation.
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