Communication Skills
Communication Skills in a Cross-Cultural Diverse Workplace
In today’s workforce society, management must deal with a wide range of conflict and communication skills. Communication skills in a cross-culturally diverse workplace can be found in any industry, any organization and pretty much anywhere around the globe. In different situations and places, everyone has to communicate daily. Whether it is at home, work or even at school. Communication takes from many forms and styles and has many elements and processes. Communication is a valuable art and an individual’s effectiveness as a leader, co-worker or friend will depend on their interpersonal and communication skills. Without a doubt, communication skills are not a simple formula; however, it is not impossible for people to communicate effectively and respectfully. A person can stand in a corner without saying one word; yet, with one simple look or facial expression, they can communicate.
A key to having an effective communication skill is by having good listening skills. The four stages of the listening process are simple to remember, (1) attending, (2) interpreting, (3) responding, and (4) remembering. (Dobkin and Pace, pg. 117) The listening process begins when we actively select, or attend to, stimuli in our environment. (Dobkin and Pace, pg. 117) Many things can affect the way one can perceive his/her communication skills to others. A person must have a clear and pleasant tone in his/her voice in order to appeal to the listeners. Having good listening skills makes the speaker feel admirable, appreciated and respected. When a person listens, they encourage the skill in others by acting as a model for positive and effective communication.
In order to develop effective listening skills one should:
1. Minimize all external and internal distractions
2. Focus on what the speaker is saying
3. Keep an open mind in order not to make assumptions
According to the Washington Times: “More often than
In today’s workforce society, management must deal with a wide range of conflict and communication skills. Communication skills in a cross-culturally diverse workplace can be found in any industry, any organization and pretty much anywhere around the globe. In different situations and places, everyone has to communicate daily. Whether it is at home, work or even at school. Communication takes from many forms and styles and has many elements and processes. Communication is a valuable art and an individual’s effectiveness as a leader, co-worker or friend will depend on their interpersonal and communication skills. Without a doubt, communication skills are not a simple formula; however, it is not impossible for people to communicate effectively and respectfully. A person can stand in a corner without saying one word; yet, with one simple look or facial expression, they can communicate.
A key to having an effective communication skill is by having good listening skills. The four stages of the listening process are simple to remember, (1) attending, (2) interpreting, (3) responding, and (4) remembering. (Dobkin and Pace, pg. 117) The listening process begins when we actively select, or attend to, stimuli in our environment. (Dobkin and Pace, pg. 117) Many things can affect the way one can perceive his/her communication skills to others. A person must have a clear and pleasant tone in his/her voice in order to appeal to the listeners. Having good listening skills makes the speaker feel admirable, appreciated and respected. When a person listens, they encourage the skill in others by acting as a model for positive and effective communication.
In order to develop effective listening skills one should:
1. Minimize all external and internal distractions
2. Focus on what the speaker is saying
3. Keep an open mind in order not to make assumptions
According to the Washington Times: “More often than
References: Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/pages-and-stages/2012/jan/21/listening-skills-real-art-conversation/#ixzz2E2BfDN3I http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/are-we-losing-the-art-of-listening/ Battell, C. (2006) Effective Listening. Fort Wayne, IN: ASTD Press Bethami, D. and Pace, R. (2006) Communication in a Changing World. CA