Good communication is an essential tool for achieving productivity and maintaining strong working relationships at all levels of an organization. Communication between colleagues should always be clear, especially when you work from home. Without body language and facial gestures, the best-intentioned messages can be misinterpreted. Therefore, we advise you:
Think before you hit send.
You may be in a hurry to send an email but don’t rush. For example: If you had a personal conflict and need to send an email to your boss, the message may be perceived negatively because of the way you wrote. Re-read your emails to make sure that you are transmitting the message in a professional and friendly manner before clicking send.
To be professional.
When you work from home, hours (or days) can pass without having contact with someone else within your established business hours. Without that human interaction, your social skills may be at risk. Always remember to be professional when talking to your colleagues and your boss. After all, even if the job is flexible, it is still a professional job.
Be positive.
The moment someone asks for your opinion about an idea or you take the initiative to provide your suggestions, first highlight the positive aspects of that idea and then offer your alternatives. That way, in case you don’t agree, you avoid saying directly that it’s a bad idea.
Ask.
You have read over and over again the email your boss sent you but still find it hard to understand what exactly he wants. In this case, it will be better not to assume (and not to waste more time finding out what it refers to). Come over and communicate with your boss “I got your instructions; I understand I need to do ‘this,’ but could you please explain to me what you mean by ‘this or that’?”. This does not only apply to your boss but also to your colleagues.
Listen carefully.
Communication is a two-way street, and no company or individual survives for a long time if they do not know how to listen or promote dialogue with others. Listening shows respect and allows you to learn about any problem you have to tackle. Often, a lack of communication occurs when people do not listen carefully to each other. For this, it is recommended to practice active listening, which consists of listening and then repeating what the other person has just said to make sure that you have understood the right thing.
Good communication is the pillar of any successful business. When having a virtual job, it is essential to keep the lines of communication open, honest, and professional. In fact, employees who communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, and customers are always valuable. As a candidate, it is a skill that can help you stand out from the people who are competing against you for the job.
