Communicate bites v2

You’re running a project and plan to ask team members for help during a meeting tomorrow. Is there anything you can do today to increase your chance of success?

• 
  There's nothing I need to do because I want to keep my communication genuine and avoid sounding rehearsed.

• I should take time to practice, thinking about what I want to say and how I might answer a few likely questions.

Your colleague approaches to you very nervous and upset just saying: "It can't be done! I don't have enough time!" But they're not giving any further details. How could you respond?

• Because this person is upset, there’s nothing I can do. They need to calm themselves down before we can have a coherent conversation.

• I’ll give my colleague my undivided attention and remain positive. To better understand the problem, I’ll ask follow-up questions and practice active listening. Then, I’ll offer a solution that’s brief and specific.

• I’ll be up-front with the colleague and help them see things from my perspective. I’ll tell them that if they want me to help, they’ll need to calm down and not take their anger out on me.

You’re in a company meeting and disagree with something a coworker shared. You accidentally blurt out: “That’s an awful idea!” To avoid hurt feelings, what can you say to rectify this communication mistake?

• “I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough morning and am not thinking properly.”

• “I’m sorry, that came out wrong. What I mean is that it’s a nice thought, but it might not work because ...”

Your boss is giving you directions on a new project. Everything makes sense except for the last step. What should you do?

• I’ll let my boss know that I’m confused and will ask for more information about the last step.

• I don’t want my boss to think I wasn’t listening, so I’ll say “thank you” and figure out the rest along the way.

A coworker is telling you about a trip she took this past weekend. What can you do to show that you’re listening actively?

• As soon as she says something I can relate to, I’ll prove I’m listening by chiming in with a relevant story.

• To show I’m listening, I’ll give her a few cues such as nodding my head and offering brief prompts such as: “That’s amazing!” and “Uh-huh.”

• To avoid uncomfortable silences, I’ll start planning out a few relevant questions to ask once she’s finished speaking.

Answer explanation

Great. These nonverbal cues and prompts are excellent ways to show you’re interested without pulling the focus away from your coworker.

Compare the two ways of writing below. Which way will you choose?

• When reviewing the survey results, it’s evident that customers want to be able to research their options and make a purchase without ever having to talk to a sales representative.

• The survey has spoken: Customers want to research and buy our products without talking to a sales representative.

Compare the two ways of writing below. Which way will you choose?

• I just wanted to reach out and tell you how much I value your mentorship and guidance. I really appreciate how much time and effort you’ve put into answering my questions, sharing your expertise, and making sure I have everything I need to succeed on the team. I’m proud to be a part of such a supportive team culture.

• Tony, thank you for mentoring me with generosity and patience. I value your insight and appreciate the time you’ve invested in answering my questions and setting me up for success. It makes me proud to be part of the team—and excited to contribute.

"Show care and consideration for your reader". what does that mean exactly?

• Ask others for help instead of demanding or expecting it. Be polite; don’t forget to say “please” and “thank you.”

• In written communication, be careful when making a joke or expressing humor in writing. Sarcasm may come across as serious and rude.

• Watch your tone and language. Consider how your punctuation choices may change the tone of your writing.

• Be empathetic and show care about your reader’s interests and concern about their challenges. Also, be sensitive to cultural differences in your writing.

"Never be rude, insulting, or condescending to your reader". what does that mean exactly?

• In written communication, be careful when making a joke or expressing humor in writing. Sarcasm may come across as serious and rude.

• Address others by name if you’re writing to them directly.

• Watch your tone and language. Consider how your punctuation choices may change the tone of your writing.

• If you’re writing an email or letter, for example, open and close your document with warmth and friendliness.

Take a look at the four scenarios below. Can you match the situation with its correct medium?

"You need to collaborate with many people but are separated by long distance."

• Email

• In-Person

• Phone Call

• Video Call