4 Ways
Millennials Can Improve Their Communication Skills
Authentic conversations and collaboration are the keys to success in
business.
No matter what generation you were born into, it's likely
you want to find meaningful work that challenges and interests you and enables
you to grow as a person. Business is, at its core, about people
connecting with people. Significant relationships--forged
in and out of the workplace--can only flourish when built upon clear and collaborative
communication.
But
for many Millennials, and those in younger age demographics, authenticcommunication
can be a challenge. Social media, texting, and other short form
communication are partly to blame for this issue, often pulling people away
from social settings and creating more isolation.
A
recent survey
by the Hay Group shows that 80 percent of the HR
directors they spoke to reported that it was a struggle to find graduates
equipped with the requisite social and emotional skills to be successful in
their careers. Conversely, 69 percent of the Millennials surveyed felt that
soft skills "get in the way of getting the job done." Finally, the
graduates who did not strive to improve social and emotional skills on the job
were less likely to excel in their organizations, according to 83 percent of
the HR directors surveyed.
It's important to note that communication is
one of the most highly prized soft skills in the workplace, and many Fortune
500 companies echo this concept. Giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and
Disney are taking action, providing staff development programs through
coaching, and implementing in-house Toastmasters clubs--both touted to be
helpful in enhancing workplace communication and leadership skills.
Ineffective interpersonal relationships
affect co-workers on multiple levels, including miscommunication, lack of
trust, and poor collaboration between team members. So what can you do to
improve your communication skills at work? Try these four steps:
1. Make personal
connections a priority.
You don't build relationships in sound bites.
Texting and social media have seemingly replaced authentic, one-on-one communication,
which may lead to miscommunication. Shortened sentences in emails may come
across as abrupt and be misconstrued. Trustworthy relationships are built upon
two-way conversations. Meet with people face-to-face when time permits, or
speak to them over the phone to avoid misinterpretation of your message. When
you take time to meet with someone in person, you are more likely to make a
lasting, meaningful connection.
2. Engage in active
listening skills.
Listening mindfully and with respect shows
that you care about the other person's message. Active listening will help you
improve your relationships and have your own needs met. Being fully present and
pausing between statements, as well as before answering, are key behaviors.
Observe the person's responses and strive to create a rapport. Most
importantly, be inquisitive. Ask questions for clarification, paraphrase the
other person's statements, and at the end of the conversation, be sure to
summarize your understanding of the issue. These steps will save time in
preventing endless emails, back and forth, attempting to interpret what is
being communicated.
3. Practice self-awareness.
It is easy to identify the faults of others
without asking yourself how your actions might have contributed to a problem or
demanding situation. Self-reflection can be a springboard for positive change
and lead to more meaningful relationships. If you don't commit to evaluating
who you are, idleness can follow. Ask for feedback from trusted advisers to
identify your strengths and areas that need development so you can make
positive changes. Then be sure to take the necessary steps to consistently
polish your communication style and how you present yourself to the world.
4. Remain accountable.
One of the most important attributes HR
directors look for in prospective employees is accountability. Do you want a
raise? Make sure you approach it with evidence of why you've earned it. Take
personal responsibility for your part in any conversation. If you misunderstand
something or make a mistake, admit it. You cannot control what anyone else says
or does, but you can control what you do and say.
BY SUSAN
STEINBRECHER
http://www.inc.com/susan-steinbrecher/4-ways-millennials-can-improve-their-communication-skills.html
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