Communicating Effectively in the

Workplace

…for young professionals

Traits of a Healthy Relationship

Cooperation Compromise Respect Acceptance Honesty

Trustworthiness Dependability Loyalty Empathy

Communication

Speaking skills “I” message Tone and pitch

Constructive Messages Activity

“Debbie, stop bringing Krispy Kreme doughnuts to work! Are you trying to ruin my diet or something?”

Constructive Messages Activity

“Robert, I’m fed up with you asking me to help you do your work! If you can’t handle your workload maybe you should just quit.”

Constructive Messages Activity

“Mr. Stafford, it’s not fair that you always say no to me when I ask for vacation time! Carla always gets vacation time and she works half the hours I do!”

Communication

Listening skills Hearing vs. Listening Active Listening

Reflective ListeningClarifyingEncouragingEmpathizing

How the average person spends their communication time…

listening45%

writing9%

reading16%

speaking30%

Non-Verbal Communication

Body Language

Non-Verbal Communication

Conveying Personality and Status Dress: style, tidiness, coordination Personal adornments: jewelry to watches

to badges Office and desk space at work Items owned

Barriers to Effective Communication

Unrealistic expectations Projecting a tough, superior image Prejudice Common fears

Acknowledgments and Compliments

Acknowledgments Acknowledge a skill Show appreciation

Compliments Selfless Self-effacing

Communication:

What to do

movie clip

Discussion

What traits do you find most important when forming healthy relationship in the work environment?

Discussion

What nonverbal communication do you use that may send others the wrong message at work?

Discussion

What barriers to effective communication have you faced at the office?

Discussion

What techniques can you start using to become an active listener?

Relationship Reflection

Reflect on a healthy relationship: List 4 traits that

make the relationship healthy

Reflect on a strained relationship: List 4 traits that

could make the relationship healthier

THE END