How Can We Be Effective Communicators?

Read: How Can We Build Problem-Solving Skills?

Does the following image look familiar?

To support holistic workforce skills development, SkillsFuture SG has consulted closely with local industries to formulate sixteen Critical Core Skills (CCS) competencies which are soft skills that are deemed essential in the workplace.

Under the Singapore Skills Framework, these skills are grouped into 3 clusters:

1. Thinking Critically: Creative thinking, Problem-solving, Decision making, Sense making, Transdisciplinary thinking
2. Interacting With Others: Communication, Building inclusivity, Collaboration, Influence, Developing people, Customer orientation
3. Staying Relevant: Self-management, Global perspective, Adaptability, Learning agility, Digital fluency

During the week, I had the privilege to conduct a session to SGH Office of Patient Safety and Quality on Effective Communication. The room was packed, and the energy was great!

If I have to sum up what it means to master effective communication skills,

You need to choose the most appropriate mode of communication for the situation, relaying your intended message at the right time, with good choices of words.

The 4Ks and 4Rs framework:

1. Know the objectives (why are you communicating) to get the Results you want
2. Know the audience (who are you communicating with) to get the desired Response you want
3. Know the content (what are you intending to communicate) to Reduce misunderstandings
4. Know the follow-up plan to build a lasting Relationship

Effective communication is hardly about you.

Perks of being an effective communicator:

There are many benefits which most of us are aware of, such as, minimising misinterpretations, persuading and influencing to create buy-in, building better relationships etc.

For me, the best outcome that I get from being a better communicator is PEACE.

I feel less frustrated and am more empathetic, which contributes to my overall well-being, specifically in social, emotional, physical and career (occupational) wellness.

It is really good and I can't wait for you to experience it yourself!

Becoming Irreplaceable aims to empower fellow professionals to build sustainable and meaningful careers, this is definitely one way for us to increase our own happiness index! It is really about taking the control back.