Let’s face the fact: We cannot actually escape from interpersonal communication in any way. Without realising it, a simple “goodbye” and “hello” with peers is considered an interpersonal communication. We can even have miscommunications among friends at times. According to Northeastern University College of Business Administration website [link], people in organisations on average spend over 75% of their time in an interpersonal situation. This gives root to poor communications, which leads to misunderstandings and other organisational problems.
Effective communication is important especially when we want to convey a message from one person to another. By the end of the day, the message may not be the actual one you are trying to get across in the first place. Take the game of charade for an example. When we try to pass on a message, even just a sentence, the length may get shorter or longer along the way.
Take another. Misinterpretations of what the employer says are very common. It is actually very much dependent on the subordinate’s point of view. So, some managers hesitate and struggle when they try to give useful and constructive feedback to subordinates because the former fear of the other party’s reaction. I would usually take supposedly negative comments as challenges for me to improve further.
Indeed, this science of effective communication is essential when we step into the rat race. The time in the university is a platform for us to put what we have learnt into practice.
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An average student in NUS learning to communicate professionally in the academic world and later, in working life.
5 comments:
It's good Fabian that you see criticism as guidance on how to improve. This way, you can learn and make progress.
An employee's reaction to criticism may partly depend on the company's ethos. If ALL employees of all levels are encouraged to refect on their work and 'grow' then those criticised should not get offended. However, if feedback is sporadic and random then it may simply be seen as an insult and make the recipient fearful.
Mrs Richardson
yes fabian! Charade is a good example to show that both verbal and non-verbal communication has to go hand in hand cohesively to allow the other party to understand what you are saying.
If one has both aspects in a conversation but they contradict each other, confusions and distrust comes into the picture. For example, when somemone ask you whether you are okay, verbally you say "yeah! I feel great." when your non-verbal actions shows that you are sad and disappointed, then perhaps, there's no meaning to the conversation.
Hi Mrs Richardson,
Yes, I would agree with you that all employees should reflect on their work and think of how they can improve further. It's more of personal initiative to learn and sharpen more skills. Communication, for instance.
Negative and nonconstructive feedback to employees would indeed cause them to be unappreciated and insulted. This may be the reason employers fear to give feedback.
Hey Grace,
Contradictions happen in everyday life. Sometimes we may contradict ourselves when our parents ask how are we going on. We may answer "everything's okay" with our tired and worrisome look. We're trying not to cause parents to worry too much. Sometimes it can be hard to be open, and to express our fears and anxieties to our loved ones.
Hey Fabs!
It's true, employees seem to have the habit of misinterpreting what the employer has to say. I believe it partly due to the fact that most employers don't know how to moderate their way of communication with their subordinates? Praise in an Asian society may seem awkward whereas mistakes on the other hand, are greatly emphasized on.
I guess it is for both the employer and employee to give praise and accept criticisms graciously for effective communication of thoughts. I would, like you, always take things in a positive light!
Life is too short to be a pessimist.
Hey Jocelyn,
Let's us be an optimist and thus, think positively! =)
Team and community building are important in organisations. It's better to know who are the team players, leading better relationships and understandings among colleagues.
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