Some tips and wisdoms I collected over the years for how to achieve better communication with others, whether subordinates, co-workers or personal connections:
- People come before paperwork
- Don’t rush the person across from you
- Be positive and personable; listen all the way through and make sure to understand
- Don’t be too busy to be nice; smile, make eye contact
- Conduct a conversion from an equal standing
- Don’t take things personally; act matter-of-factly, be professional
- Being an expert isn’t enough: attitude X skills = professionalism
- Be strong, not aggressive; lead the situation instead of being pulled into it
- The way you behave effects the way others behave
- Be patient; provide detailed explanations, when possible
- Give positive feedback, encouragement and support
- Practice communication that advances, not blocks
- Look for nonverbal hints; words express only 10% of the overall message
- Avoid being judgmental and making assumptions; don’t jump to conclusions
- Don’t interrupt
- First handle the person – only then the issue