Workplace Communication Advice – Making Things Worse
QuestionÂ
My coworker who is in hr makes things worse when he has to deal with problems that come up. It’s like he takes something that could be resolved in a simple way and makes it worse – harder than it has to be. Any advice on what can be done?
AnswerÂ
It’s always a challenge to work with someone who has a workplace communication style that doesn’t lead in a positive direction. It’s nearly impossible to change someone else’s behavior, they are the only ones who can modify what they do. What you can do is take care of yourself, behave in ways that lead in a positive direction and set an example of how to communicate positively. Try the following ideas to help move things in more favorable direction:
- Assume the person is going to keep doing what they do and that all you can do is set a positive example.
- Learn all you can about effective communication. You could even attend a communication workshop or training to add to your skills.
- Behave in ways that demonstrate how to communicate effectively.
- Treat your co-workers and colleagues well and communicate kindly and openly with them.
- Suggest that you all go to a communication training or workshop together.
- Develop communication guidelines for your particular work group and practice positive skills together.
- Become the resident expert and volunteer to help with challenging communication situations.
- Find peace inside yourself by realizing that you can’t change other people but you can work on being a wonderful example of positive communication.
As you do things like these you’ll be creating an atmosphere where excellent communication is valued and encouraged. It doesn’t guarantee that there will be any change in what your co-worker does but at least he’ll be working with someone who communicates really well and highlights the benefits of positive communication. Sometimes these things rub off on others when they see that it can make their life easier.
As you build your communication skills you’ll also notice opportunities to talk directly with your co-worker. It takes time and practice but, eventually you’ll figure out how to talk with him about communicating more effectively.
Take care,
Guy
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment