07/02/2024 Marjut Alatalo Toimitusjohtaja, WayUp Oy.
When communication breaks down, it can negatively impact relationships and collaboration. Broken communication can show up in many different ways. For example:
💔 Lack of understanding of others’ perspectives or emotions. This can lead to misunderstandings and increase the likelihood of conflict.
💔 Communication weakens when openness and honesty are lost. This can result in lack of information and confusion.
💔 When people don’t feel understood or valued, trust begins to erode.
💔 When we can’t express ourselves clearly or understand others, conflicts tend to increase.
💔 Collaboration suffers and the overall atmosphere declines. Broken communication can even lead to stress, impacting both personal well-being and job performance.
Broken communication affects the effectiveness of both teams and the entire organization – that’s why it’s worth paying attention to.
5 Tips for Improving Communication
Developing open communication often requires conscious effort and practice. Here are five of our top tips for improving interaction. These are practical tools anyone can start using in everyday conversations and encounters.
- 1. Be Present
- Listen Actively
- Avoid Interrupting – Wait Until the Other Person Has Finished Speaking Before You Respond
- Ask Questions to Gain Insight and Show Genuine Interest
- Build Conversations in a Positive and Encouraging Way
2. Try to Understand the Other Person
- Appreciate different perspectives and potential cultural differences.
- Be open to learning and accepting different viewpoints. Avoid criticism or judgment at all costs.
- Try to understand the other person’s emotions. Show empathy and demonstrate that you care about their experiences.
3. Communicate Clearly and Openly
- Be clear in your communication. Avoid complex language and make sure your message is easy to understand.
- Be open about your own feelings and thoughts.
- Pay attention to gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Make sure your nonverbal communication supports your message.
- Seek out situations where you can learn new perspectives and improve your communication skills.
4. Aim to Recognize and Manage Your Own Emotions
- Be aware of your emotions and try to process them in a constructive way.
- Avoid reacting based on immediate emotion—give yourself time and space to reflect before responding.
- Learn emotional skills—that is, different ways to identify and manage your own emotions.
5. Ask for Feedback
- Ask for feedback on your communication skills.
- Use feedback as a tool for growth. Be willing to learn and continuously improve.
- Thank others for the feedback you receive. Openness to new ideas and perspectives fosters open communication.
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