Wednesday 24 April 2013

Communication for Results


When you send messages, speak on the telephone, or make presentations, you represent your organization.  By assessing your present level of confidence in these areas, you can identify where additional study and practice would be helpful.  Good communication skills make every other part of your job easier.

Keep these general principles in mind whenever you are writing or speaking:

There is no substitute for knowing the facts about your subject.  Learn everything you can about your organization, how it works, who does what job, normal schedules and procedures, general policies, and which customers or clients warrant special consideration.

Never be afraid to say or write that you do not know something.  Do say, however, that you will find out and let the other person know as  soon as possible.   Then be sure to follow through on your promise.

Always try to understand the other person’s point of view; what is he or she really asking?  Listen to the other person or read his or her message carefully, and consider the context from which it was written.

When unpleasant information must be communicated, soften it with something positive.
Observe how effective people around you use the telephone.  Ask to read samples of their memos (including letters and emails).  What works well for them?   How could you adapt their methods to work for you?

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