How to Communicate Effectively with Your Coworkers (Even with Conflict) - Walrath Recruiting, Inc.

How to Communicate Effectively with Your Coworkers (Even with Conflict) - Walrath Recruiting, Inc. In our last blog, we discussed the different causes of why conflicts occur at work. If you can identify the reasoning for issues arising, then learning to deal with them becomes much easier. So today we’re discussing how to effectively communicate with your coworkers, even when there are differences. Why Good Communication is Important Good communication alleviates conflict. But it also helps strengthen relationships, increases motivation, effectiveness, and engagement. When you and your coworkers have strong communication you feel more connected and supported. If there are situations when a message is unclear to you ask. Get clarification before miscommunication occurs. Doing so will help keep the workflow and productivity going. Understanding Communication Styles First, we must look at the style of communication between you and your coworkers. Keep in mind that there are significantly different personalities in the workplace, and therefore communication styles will differ as well. If you have an extroverted personality and youre dealing with someone who is more introverted, your communication styles will be different. Try meeting that person halfway or communicating with them in a way that is familiar to them. This will help them feel understood and help you improve your own relationships at work. Group Problem Solving Another way to communicate successfully is to do so in groups. If there are issues that occur within a group of people at work, suggest a meeting and participate in a group discussion. This way all parties are involved, you can discuss the matter at hand, share emotions and come to a solution together. Boost Feedback/Receptiveness Another aspect that may be overlooked, is being in a receptive atmosphere. If you and your coworkers know that they can address matters to management or each other and will receive a receptive response on the other end â€" they are more likely to communicate and share their thoughts/opinions. And as we know, open communication is key to strong company culture. Be Aware of Body Language/ Tone of Voice Take a second to acknowledge your body language and your tone of voice when youre communicating. You hear the saying “it’s not what you say, but how you say it” and this rings true here as well. If youre asking a colleague to complete a task with a frustrated undertone, or uninviting body language â€" the way that this will be interpreted may not be how youd like it to come across. So take inventory on how you are communicating with one another. Be Appreciative When you are communicating with a coworker/asking for a favor etc., ensure that you express your appreciation. When people feel appreciated, they are more inclined to enjoy their daily tasks, lend a hand and the workflow ends up more pleasant. [ Check out our last blog to learn reasons why conflicts occur at work. ]