5 Essential areas for Communication in the Workplace and Classroom

They key to creating a successful business and a productive, thriving culture is to improve communication. Communication starts with management. Employees and of course customers will receive the benefits of great communication and this will be proven in your bottom line. There are a host of skills required to be an effective communicator, but I am going to hone in on some fundamental areas that once mastered form a good solid foundation.

What you can do to help prepare students for the workforce

If you are a teacher in a school or a vocational instructor, then preparing your students will stand them in good stead for entering the workforce. Their ability to communicate will be a deciding factor even in the interview phase.

So developing communications skills within your team or classroom is an essential element that should not be overlooked. My five keys to essential communication in the workplace are:

Five Essential areas for Communication

1.    Active Listening.

2.    Team and personal Values

3.    Learning how to give constructive feedback

4..    Meeting regularly

5.    Understanding each person's role in a project

If you are able to weave these into your classroom lessons, not only will you be preparing your students for the future, you will also gain the benefits within your classroom immediately.

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is not just about hearing the words spoken to you; it's about fully engaging with the speaker and understanding their message on a deeper level. In the workplace and classroom, active listening involves maintaining eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and providing verbal cues like "uh-huh" and "I see" to let the speaker know you're attentive.

Fun tip: Think of active listening as a treasure hunt, where you seek valuable insights and understanding in the speaker's words!

The Perks of Being an Active Listener:

In both professional and academic environments, active listeners reap numerous benefits:

a) Building Trust: Active listening shows others that you genuinely care about their thoughts and opinions, fostering trust and stronger relationships with colleagues and peers.

b) Resolving Conflicts: By carefully listening to different perspectives, active listeners can navigate disagreements and find amicable solutions.

c) Enhanced Learning: In the classroom, active listening boosts comprehension, retention, and helps students grasp complex concepts better.

Fun fact: Did you know that studies have shown active listeners are often perceived as more likable and approachable?

Be Present: Avoid Distractions

In a world full of distractions, it's vital to stay present during conversations. In the workplace, put away your phone or close unnecessary tabs during meetings. In the classroom, keep your attention focused on the instructor and avoid engaging in side conversations.

Fun activity: Create a "Distraction-Free Zone" by putting up signs in your workspace or classroom to remind everyone to stay focused!

Empathy: The Secret Ingredient

Empathy is the heart of active listening. When you listen with empathy, you not only hear the words but also understand the emotions and feelings behind them. This is particularly crucial in both the workplace and classroom, as it fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among team members and students.

Fun exercise: Play the "Empathy Game" with your colleagues or classmates. Pair up and take turns sharing personal stories while the other person practices active listening and responds with empathy.

Ask Thoughtful Questions:

Active listening doesn't end with just nodding and verbal cues; it involves asking thoughtful questions to delve deeper into the subject matter. In the workplace, this can lead to innovative solutions, while in the classroom, it can spark engaging discussions.

Fun twist: Organize a "Curiosity Circle" where colleagues or students take turns asking intriguing questions related to a particular topic. The goal is to stimulate critical thinking and creativity!

Here are some classroom / training resources that are no prep and editable to make life easier for you. Click on each resource to see more.