What communication mistakes can derail your career?

One of my favourite quotes as a communicator is that we have two ears and one mouth, which means we should listen twice as much as we speak. Actively engaging in the listening process is crucial to finding solutions. When you listen actively, you comprehend the messages being conveyed and the reasons behind them. Seeking clarification on things you need help understanding is not a weakness, so don't treat it as such. Asking questions to better understand the task can save lots of time and stress. Tip: Listen to someone speak on a subject you know nothing about, and when they're finished, write down everything you think you understand. Then, do some research to see if you've got it right.

Listening is at the core of communication, its the first step. If you are not listening attentively, you only have the illusion of communicating. Giving 100% undivided attention is the prerequisite for effective communication so start there.

"Entre o meio e a mensagem. A forma muitas vezes se torna mais importante" Esse é um lema que carrego e em toda dinamica e processo criativo, tem sido o fator primordial no qual procuro investir mais tempo. Se pensarmos que um determinado comunicado deve ser realizado a todos os colaboradores de uma companhia, imaginando que a mensagem seja algo importante para sua cultura organizacional, com alto impacto na rotina de todos. Independente de todos os canais disponíveis, digital, físico e por ai vai. A forma com que essa mensagem deverá ser formatada e quais interlocutores devem carrega la, diz muito sobre como queremos a aceita??o dela. Portanto, isso nada mais é que forma. Forma como é escrita, como é pensada, forma como é disseminada.

Engaged Focus: Fully concentrating on the speaker without distractions, demonstrating genuine interest in their message. Verbal and Non-Verbal Signals: Using verbal cues like affirmations or paraphrasing, and non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact or nodding to show attentiveness. Empathetic Understanding: Grasping the speaker's perspective and emotions, acknowledging their feelings to build rapport. Asking Clarifying Questions: Seeking clarification or elaboration to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the speaker's message. Avoiding Interruptions: Allowing the speaker to express thoughts fully before responding, fostering an open and respectful conversation.

Hiding bad news: Failing to communicate bad news or issues can lead to a lack of trust and transparency. Not adapting to the situation or audience. Making assumptions or jumping to conclusions: Relying on biases, stereotypes, or expectations can lead to errors, conflicts, or resentment. Failing to ask for clarification: Not seeking clarification when unsure about a task or instruction can lead to mistakes and misinterpretations. Racially biased comments. Poor networking: Making common networking mistakes can also derail your career, such as thinking you don't know anyone or waiting for a reason to network.

Read up a bit about the different styles of communicating. Next, determine what is you dominant style of communicating. This is simple. Then read up and understand which communication style works in what kind of situations. So far so good. Now comes the clincher. Consciously evaluation situations and try adopting different communication styles relevant for the situation, even if that is not your communication style.

Reacting, instead of responding is a huge mistake in business communication, especially when dealing with angry and disappointed customers, colleagues, or employees. A reaction doesn’t take into consideration the long-term effects of what you say or do, and it’s very often something you’ll regret later. Responding, on the other hand, is more thoughtful, and is predominantly guided by logic and reasoning.

Understanding Preferences: Recognizing and understanding diverse communication styles, including direct, analytical, expressive, or amiable, among others. Flexibility in Approach: Being adaptable to modify your communication style based on the preferences of your audience, ensuring clarity and resonance. Empathetic Engagement: Embracing empathy to connect with diverse individuals, acknowledging their preferences without imposing your own style. Effective Tailoring: Customizing messages or content to suit various audiences, using appropriate language, tone, and format for better engagement.

As a career consultant specializing in communication, I emphasize the critical impact of not adapting to diverse communication styles. Failure to recognize and cater to colleagues' preferences leads to confusion and resentment. Whether it is direct and concise or polite and detailed, adapting your tone and approach is paramount. Navigating varied styles based on personality, culture, and context is essential for seamless professional interactions. Mastering this adaptability ensures effective communication, preventing potential pitfalls that could derail your career.

Getting straight to your message matters. People tend to tune out if someone talks too much or loves the sound of their voice. And it's best to skip using industry jargon or acronyms when chatting with those outside your field.

Focused Messaging: Keep messages purposeful, avoiding unnecessary details. Highlight Key Points: Emphasize main ideas upfront for quick understanding. Simple Language: Use clear, straightforward language for broader comprehension. Structured Format: Organize content logically using lists or visuals for clarity. Visual Enhancements: Incorporate visuals to complement the message effectively. Editing for Precision: Review and edit content to eliminate ambiguity or redundancy. Prompt Engagement: Conclude with a clear call-to-action for audience response.

At the same time, make sure you understand the dynamics if you're in a situation where your points are to be met with resistance. In these cases, being clear and concise may lead to a source of resistance, while some more background around your point can soften the blow and/or reduce the "headwinds".

As a career consultant specializing in communication, I emphasize the critical impact of clarity and conciseness. Failing to express ideas succinctly in emails, presentations, or conversations can hinder success. Unclear communication leads to time wastage, ambiguity, and credibility loss. Elevate your professional communication by using simple, specific language, logical message structures, and avoiding unnecessary jargon and filler words. Ensure every interaction reinforces your expertise and professionalism.

Seeking feedback is important, but it's crucial to consider its depth. Often, people might just say "it was great" to avoid hurting feelings. I suggest self-reflection as a reliable way to enhance performance.

Timely Communication: Providing feedback promptly after observing a situation or receiving a request, ensuring relevance and impact. Constructive Approach: Offering feedback in a constructive manner, focusing on specific behaviors or actions rather than personal traits. Balance of Positive and Constructive Feedback: Striking a balance between acknowledging strengths and areas for improvement to encourage growth. Active Listening: Receptively listening to feedback without defensiveness, seeking to understand and acknowledge perspectives shared. Respectful and Professional Tone: Delivering feedback respectfully, maintaining a professional and courteous tone to foster a positive exchange.

As a career consultant with expertise in communication, I affirm the critical impact of effective feedback in professional success. Failing to adeptly give and receive feedback can impede career growth, harm relationships, and diminish morale. To navigate this challenge, ensure your feedback is timely, specific, and actionable. Cultivate an attitude of openness, gratitude, and curiosity when receiving feedback, avoiding defensiveness, aggression, or dismissal. Elevating your feedback skills is pivotal for continual improvement and fostering trust in your professional interactions.

Os feedbacks s?o cruciais para o crescimento pessoal e profissional. Se comunicar no mundo corporativo é transmitir informa??es, ampliar vis?es, descartar mal-entendidos, integrar setores e resolver quest?es de forma mais clara e hábil.

Managing emotions in professional situations seems to be a very Anglo-Saxon perspective. For new professionals from other parts of the world, emotions in communication are welcome, and acceptable, and show deep involvement. "Managing" brings restrictions in communication. In the North American system, showing emotions is equal to showing personal weakness. This, in turn, can bring plenty of disadvantages to the person who does not understand this. In the global economy with remote work arrangments, it is important to recognize that there is a whole other world of communication styles that may not fit into managing emotions paradigm.

Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and understanding your emotions, acknowledging their impact on interactions and decision-making. Self-Regulation: Developing the ability to control impulses and manage emotional reactions in professional interactions, maintaining a composed demeanor. Empathy: Demonstrating empathy towards others' emotions, understanding their perspectives and responding appropriately. Conflict Resolution: Effectively navigating conflicts or disagreements without letting emotions overpower rationality, seeking solutions through constructive dialogue. Stress Management: Implementing strategies to manage stress and pressure effectively, maintaining focus and productivity.

As a career consultant with expertise in communication, I emphasize the critical impact of emotions on professional interactions. Failing to manage emotions is a common mistake that can derail your career. Uncontrolled emotions may lead to regrettable remarks, loss of control, and unintentional harm to others' feelings. To mitigate this risk, hone emotional intelligence by identifying and regulating emotions. Employ techniques like mindful breathing, strategic pauses, and reframing to maintain composure. Recognize the influence of emotions on tone, body language, and word choice. Proactively addressing this communication pitfall enhances your professional efficacy and fosters a more positive workplace dynamic.

It comes down to: "Don't take it personally". Make emotions work for you, not against you. If you are passionate about your topic, it will show in your voice and body language. That is positive. On the other hand, if someone expresses a point of view that is different than yours, don't become defensive. Become curious about what the other person has to say. You will come out, on top: professional, calm and open-minded.

To manage your emotions, you need to have a self-knowledge of yourself. With self-knowledge, you are able to control your impulses and most of the time empathize with others.

There is nothing called 'too much communication' :) Long time ago, I had read somewhere, to get the message through and make it unforgettable: you have to communicate 7 times, using 7 different formats and messaging using 7 different communication methods / channels. Don't take a shortcut and assume your job is done by communicating once (and not taking any feedback)

En mi opinión, la comunicación es esencial en cualquier entorno de trabajo y es importante que se realice de manera abierta y proactiva. De lo contrario, pueden surgir conflictos que afectarían negativamente al equipo. Es importante asegurarse de que todos estén y se sientan involucrados en el proceso. Además, reconocer los logros es una excelente manera de motivar al equipo y fomentar un ambiente de trabajo positivo. También es importante utilizar los canales de comunicación adecuados para diferentes propósitos. El correo electrónico puede ser útil para comunicaciones formales, mientras que las reuniones cara a cara pueden ser más efectivas para discutir temas importantes o resolver conflictos.

A comunica??o em qualquer ambiente, deve ser objetiva, e em muitos casos dizer o óbvio. Dependendo da cultura do grupo que você está inserido, como por exemplo grupo de trabalho ou familiar, deverá ter um contexto explicando o porque aquilo foi falado. Pode ser formalmente ou informalmente. O importante é que a sua comunica??o n?o crie conflito no ambiente e sim aquilo que precisa ser dito naquele momento para garantir envolvimento em uma causa.

A falta de comunica??o pode ser t?o prejudicial ao relacionamento em equipe, quanto o descontrole emocional. Pois quando o colaborador n?o se comunica, abre-se uma brecha para a suposi??o de ideias. Essas suposi??es podem levar a conflitos e mal-entendidos.

Oversharing is something that many of us fall victim to. By understanding who your audience is (your manager, best friend, VP/Director) you can understand what can and cannot be shared. Frustrated at work? Tell your best friend while you're upset, but also ask them to help you figure out how to tell your manager. Career goals? Same thing. Don't run to your manager to tell them all the things you want to accomplish. You should tell them what you want to accomplish within your role and how it'll help you & the company. Find those 1-2 people who you trust, then overshare with them, but don't overshare with everyone. They will use what you tell them to their own advantage

Success is closely tied to your communication skills. As you climb the organizational hierarchy, your clarity of thought and ability to communicate your thoughts in clear lucid manner to others such that their understanding is same as yours ... thats the success secret of leaders.

At different levels, the communication challenges are different and the mistakes people commit are different too. Let's take a look. Doer: Not seeking clarification; failing to communicate challenges and overlooking the importance of listening carefully. Manager: Failing to clearly communicate expectations, failing to provide timely and constructive feedback, failing to use the right tone of voice. Leader: Lack of transparency, failing to actively listen to feedback, failing to adapt communication styles to different situations and individuals.

A very sensitive area that could derail your career is that of communicating your personal beliefs inside, or outside, of work, when they may be regarded as controversial or contrary to the values held by your employer. For example if you are strongly in favour or against Trans issues, or more topically pro-Palestinian or pro-Israel and you express these views, even via your own social medial or LinkedIn profile, this could rebound on you, your employer and thus your career. It is annoying, because staying silent is not a good action, but your views may trigger bad reactions from fringe elements and may make you and your company a target for bad stuff !

Giving vague replies, responding in rage, keeping things to self instead of sharing with your team and not listening to client.. these are some of the things that affects our rapport with client. Keeping a check on them helps building client's trust.