Communication in the Workplace
What situation would not be assisted by better communication?
Communication allows the sharing of ideas, enhances understanding, stimulates creativity, and leads to acceptance of self and others. Communication plays a vital part in building the foundation of trusting relationships. When people feel heard then they are more likely to feel valued. Feeling valued and safe, people find their inner enthusiasm and drive to contribute and give of themselves to life.
We all think that we communicate by the mere fact that we speak or send emails, but there are many barriers. Effective communication can clear the air of misunderstandings and go a long way to allaying fears that people have when they don’t understand a situation or trust where another is coming from.
People are often guarded and reluctant to share who they are or what they honestly think for fear of rejection or reprisals. Workplaces can be greatly assisted by people feeling safe to share who they are with their co-workers. People become experts in their particular part of the organisation, so how can it possibly work at its optimum unless there is a flow of communication between each of the departments or between each of the various levels. If the brain did not know what the feet were doing it would be almost impossible to coordinate an effective strategy.
Communication is also about being in community with other people. It helps us to be more clear about who we are and who others are. When there is a freedom of sharing viewpoints and feelings, it can go a long way to building an environment that brings out the best in all.
© Greg Govinda 2007 |
