Workplace Communication
In an era of Casual Fridays and work-from-home colleagues, how can you maintain effective office communication in a changing business climate?
We’ll steer you through changes in business etiquette, and help you successfully navigate through the new realities of workplace conflict and office politics.
If an employee refuses to do work or argues with you, resist the urge
to fight back by declaring “that’s unacceptable” or “you better shape
up.” Instead, repeat what the person says in a nonthreatening tone.
Sometimes the most seemingly harmless, pliant employees can surprise
you. You may think you can rely on them to mean what they say. Then you
get burned.
How to respond to uncomfortable situations in the workplace
Motivating rising stars is a breeze. You just set high goals, dangle
juicy rewards and let them get to work. But trying to ignite the
passions of minimum-wage workers requires more effort.
If you give a presentation with slides or other visuals, don’t use them as a crutch.
If you’re about to disagree with your boss, replace meaningless phrases such as “with all due respect” or “if I may beg to differ” with a question.
Before letting a temp go, ask for input on a workflow issue.
Do something unusual before letting a candidate depart an interview.
Immediately after you accept a new responsibility, such as spearheading a big project, draft a week-by-week schedule of short-term goals.
Whom do you gravitate toward when you walk into a roomful of your staff? If you always make a beeline for the same individuals, watch out.
