By Caroline Rioux
Research shows that people spend 70-80% of their day communicating. However, only two percent of the population receives formal communications training. The average person hears between 100,000 and 150,000 words during their work week. During this time, there can be numerous misinterpretations, and a general lack of listening that leads to severe conflict and loss of productivity. However, when a company teaches its employees vital communication skills, it saves time and money and creates a culture that empowers the workforce to engage in healthy open communication.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed how an intense interpersonal dynamic with others can hinder company cohesion. The lack of communication is a natural behavior often stemming from cultural or generational influences. When a family does not teach healthy communication skills, one develops a skewed perception of how to interact with others. Most people seek validation when they communicate with others. They want to feel understood and that the other person is paying attention to them. This need to be validated inspires individuals to often speak with people who will endorse their statements before speaking with others. However, always speaking with someone that will validate you can hinder open communication in an organization. Learning to communicate openly bypasses the need for validation and helps develop a culture where everyone feels comfortable and confident expressing themselves.
Three key elements help avoid conflicts that stem from our unconscious need for validation. First, we must focus on creating a safe environment. The ideal location is a neutral space that does not evoke awkward feelings that may stem from past conflicts. Meeting outside the office can be a great way to avoid the stressful feeling that arises from being in a location where a past confrontation occurred. Once you determine a comfortable environment, it is crucial to establish an open mind. When you withhold judgment, you force yourself to listen genuinely. Finally, practice active listening by focusing on everything the communicator expresses without words. Be silent and aware of body language that shows the person is uncomfortable or does not match spoken words. Pay attention to the whole person, and once they stop talking, ask curious questions that inspire the person to share stories. The stories develop precious empathy and understanding between you and the person and ultimately make the communicator realize you care about what they have to say.
Organizations that teach communication skills empower their team to work autonomously through conflicts. When employees feel confident communicating openly, it boosts company-wide efficiency, productivity, and well-being. Furthermore, improved company-wide communication saves money by reducing costly confrontations, complaints, and a loss of productivity.
I grew up in a family that had limited communication skills. My upbringing was often challenging because of the destructive communication that occurred. When I was younger, I thought how my family communicated was how everyone did. However, working with countless companies has shown me that many employees never learned constructive communication skills growing up. So many people do not know how to cultivate positive communication experiences. Not knowing how to communicate appropriately denies our fundamental need for human connection. My personal experiences have made me passionate about teaching practical communication skills to companies to improve our interactions and, ultimately, our relationships.
The communication skills that I teach businesses are not only job skills. They are human skills that can improve all aspects of a person’s life. Proper communication skills build trust and empathy between team members and family members. When everyone feels heard and valued, they are more likely to share their thoughts and ideas, leading to innovation, improved processes, and stronger relationships. When employees and family members feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback, they are more likely to speak up when issues surface. Employees and families can build stronger relationships and foster a more positive work and home environment through inclusive communication. When everyone feels connected to others in the organization, they are more committed to the company’s success. So if you are interested in improving your team’s communication skills, please contact EVOCrh today.
