Communication skills are a soft skill that can not be overlooked by any hiring manager when considering candidates for a role. However, these skills do need to be flexed and exercised regularly.

Just because a team member has excellent communication skills does not mean that these skills fit well within an organisation. Poor communication can lead to a drop in morale and a fall in efficiency and a lack of motivation among staff.

The biggest challenge, especially for employees in higher managerial roles is with emotional communication skills. Especially when delivering difficult news, staff need to remain calm, clear and avoid going off-topic. This skill is one that tends to develop as managers and subordinates build a relationship. How does this happen you may ask? The answer is simple by developing and maintaining a strong communication channel.

What is the point?

Before starting to write an email or commencing a meeting, take a moment to remember what the point of this communication is. Why am I trying to capture a colleague’s attention, what do I want from them and how will I make sure that I get it from them.

Personalisation

Some may say avoid personal greetings such as wishing a good weekend, but using a friendly and personal tone will help you maintain that relationship and further develop the relationship between employees and management and make that emotional challenge easier to overcome.

Lead

Convey confidence when speaking to subordinates and show them that you know what you are speaking about. This will increase a staff member’s trust in you and allow them to believe and have faith in what you are saying. Whether the communication is important or not, stop what you are doing and take the time to look directly to who you are communicating with and they will make sure to reciprocate and listen attentively.

Listen

When making a point or communicating, watch your listener and judge their body language. Sometimes a colleague may be confused and too shy too ask a question. Clarify points and ask for feedback at the end of your delivery. When they give you feedback rephrase it and repeat it back to them.

Tone

The tone that one uses when communicating plays a big part in how the message is received. If you start a conversation aggressively the respondent will use this tone when replying and may become defensive. During an interaction were both parties are attempting to aggressively defend a point leads to a non-resolution.