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We all have different communications styles, each can be placed somewhere on a continuum between assertiveness and passivity. Some people, however, believe that being assertive is the same thing as being aggressive; this is far from the truth.
In the workplace, and in most areas of life, at least some level of assertiveness (more…)
In every level of business today, and in every type of business from computers and cubicle land to the front lines of a manufacturing facility, we communicate with a variety of people every day. To get our jobs done effectively we work with supervisors and leadership, employees we supervise, peers, customers and suppliers. In all of these situations you should strive to be respectful and (more…)
When we first start a relationship, we tend to emphasize similarities. When a relationship is ending we tend to focus on the differences. This may seem an obvious statement, but as a couple goes through the divorce process it is important to remember that you tend to see the other person through a filter of negativity that emphasizes the disparities.
In today’s modern workplace time seems to always be in short supply. We all seem to have more work than can be done in an eight hour day and this rush to accomplish all our goals or assignments adds stress to our lives. In the animal kingdom stress is usually experienced in response to some type of emergency which initiates the “flight or fight” response that helps animals run and hide (more…)
Being involved in a relationship involving conflict is difficult. It doesn’t matter whether it is a personal or workplace relationship – it is never pleasant. In these relationships, even the most casual interactions can trigger a stress reaction.
For couples going through a divorce or parents who are raising their children in two homes have no choice but to continue to interact (more…)
You have probably heard older generations talk about how personal ethics seemed stronger “back in the day,” hearing phrases like, “A man’s handshake was his word” or “The deal was made on a handshake.” Certainly it seems that in our not so distant past a person’s word was a contract and something to be respected. Today, we (more…)
Notre Dame University football coach Brian Kelly made news early in the season when cameras caught him yelling at his players in a rage during a game. Looking at the exchange from a workplace communication perspective it is easy to see that the University’s employee, Coach Kelly, should not be yelling at students – regardless of the fact that they are football players. However, it seems that since a game is at stake, many – including the university (more…)
Effective communications usually means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It is important in almost all situations to be clear, specific and concise. Usually, silence is not the best answer as by not saying anything leaves it up to your audience to interpret your meaning, which can take your power away. However, sometimes not responding is powerful and in fact, is the only appropriate reaction to certain situations. Usually, though, even (more…)
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. At one point or another you will have conflict with a customer or coworker. Sometimes, the conflict may be a simple misunderstanding or difference of opinion. Other times the conflict may be based upon a mistake or serious errors made by one or both parties. Any time a conflict seems to be rearing up, the best way to solve it is to be proactive, meeting the conflict head on and doing your best to resolve it. (more…)
It might seem obvious to say, but people are all different. Those differences make the world diverse and interesting, but they can sometimes make communications challenging, awkward or ineffective. Different people have different pre-conceived ideas about various topics, different methods of communications, different cultural upbringing which can impact how they view things and different experiences which shape the lens (more…)
