How to effectively communicate in the workplace

The workplace is no different than any other social setting: the better communication among people, the happier they will be and the more progress will be made. But before we get specific about workplace communication, let’s define communication generally.

Data and Affect 

At its core, communication is data transfer. The signal must be clear, but there must also be a receiver on the other end tuned to the signal. So, communication is as much about active listening and reading as it is about clear speech or writing–and you needn’t be a customer service representative to need to be able to listen. All types of jobs require good communication.

Mode

The mode of communication varies but the principles remain the same. Whether you are face-to-face (virtually or not), audio-only, or writing/reading, you must be clear, kind, expressive, and specific. Writing is especially challenging because you must not only record the words you would have used orally but also transmit the tone, the body language, and the facial expressions that always accompany face-to-face interchanges. 

Communication in the Workplace: Data, Affect, and Mode

Effective communication in the workplace is not that much different from any other human communication: you must be both honest and kind; you must both earn and give trust. You must be patient. Flexibility is crucial, both in how you send your signals and how you receive them.

Encourage open and honest discussion, value people’s opinions, and embrace the iterative nature of ensuring comprehension. Good communication is not only how things get done but also how morale is created, maintained, and improved. It’s how creativity and innovation happen.

A few words on modes of communication. “Synchronous” communication happens in the moment, whether via texting or face-to-face discussion. It has the advantage of instantaneous correction of misimpressions and misunderstandings. It has the disadvantage of often being a bit rambling. “Asynchronous” communication, such as emails or reports, features more logical thought, but puts more of a burden on both writer and reader, especially the former. 

Good writing is hard as it is unavoidably necessary: the better you become, the happier you and everyone around you will be. How to improve one’s writing? Honestly, just read and follow The Elements of Style, a thin volume that will instantly improve your writing. Another low-investment, high-return tactic is to read aloud what you write before you send it. You’ll be amazed at what you catch.

Cleversow offers templates that help you communicate your value: a Smart Profile that replaces your resume and includes an introductory video that takes your personalization well beyond what even the best summary statement can achieve.

In fact, Cleversow itself is a method of communication that ensures both clarity and depth. Smart Profiles and Smart Job Postings alike discipline the data entry while also allowing more than a glimpse of the real person and real job opening. The AI engine constantly correlates Profiles and Postings, always learning how to match them up more efficiently in order to save both job-seekers and hiring managers time and effort.

Cleversow removes the miscommunication and guesswork that currently infest the hiring system.