Open communication
Characteristics of open communication
- Solicits input
- Disagreement brings more options
- Shared responsibility of effective communication
- Support team goals proactively
Active listening
- Engage in the conversation by facing the other person and focusing solely on them
- Suspend your own opinion and avoid interrupting with quick responses because it is an indication of impatience and passive listening
- Listen to the spoken and unspoken message of the other person, such as the emotion behind the message, without interrupting
- Restate the message in your own words so that the speaker feels heard and to ensure you’re responding to the correct message
Tips for effective communication
All of the following are qualities of good message.
- Specific, rather than generalized
- Accurate
- Relevant to the situation
- Complete with all necessary information
- Logical and easy to follow
- Honest
- Tactful and notes areas of agreement and disagreement
- Adjusted to audience background knowledge
- Prepared and well-thought
- Solicits feedback