Here are a few tips that can help you get your ideas across.
This post originally appeared onThe Muse.
It’s reallythe basics about workplace communicationthat seem to trip most people up.
Becauseyou completely invalidated it with the “but” and everything that came after it.
In her bookBossypants, Tina Fey breaks down the rules of improv.
Same goes forcommunicating at work.
I always respond with a few questions: “Is that a fact?
Did she tell you that, or are you drawing a conclusion based on observations?”
Good communicators stay rooted in facts.
Remember that the facts of any issue could be quite different from your perception of it.
For example, let’s say that two co-workers, Megan and Jason, are discussing a project.
Megan says, “This project is overwhelming the team; we need more help.”
Jason says, “We’ll be able to handle it.
Everyone will just have to put in some extra hours.”
And Jason thinks Megan sounds like a broken record,going on about how overwhelmed she is.
That’s not communication.
That’s position defending.
For example, Jason might say, “What parts of the project are overwhelming to you?”
or, “Tell me more about what you’re seeing as the bottlenecks.”
To remedy this,strive to take advantage of moments of silence.
Spend a few extra moments absorbing what’s been said and intentionally thinking through your response before you speak.
Learn to value and leverage those moments of silence instead of fearing themas a way tobuild a better dialogue.
And typically, that was different for each and every person.
What a great example of high performance communication!
The most difficult part?
you’re free to’t physically see any of these things.
In short, just because you say something, it doesn’t mean that others hear you.
Great communicators may be bornbut (er, and) they’re also made.
Your colleagues will notice, and you’ll find new confidence and level of satisfaction in your work.
Self-sabotage that keeps you working too long.
She’s the founder ofthe Job Success Laband author of theThe Resume Coloring Book.
Get started with her free21 Days to Peace at Work e-series.
Image byColin Dunn(Flickr).
Want to see your work on Lifehacker?
