Message: 4 steps towards a healthier work environment

Communication is the expression of a message between a sender and a recipient. It sounds easy, nevertheless it is rather more complicated than we expect. We communicate in alternative ways. Some prefer verbal communication, some prefer the written word in email or text, and still others prefer to post on social media. There are so some ways to specific ideas, and yet so many opportunities for our messages to be misunderstood. A healthy work environment promotes healthy communication; Healthy communication allows the parties involved to feel valued and revered and results in thriving relationships. In relationships where communication is poor or one-way, trust and respect disappear.

Improve your communication with these 4 steps

Try taking the next steps towards effective communication to construct relationships and connections in your work environment.

Before you begin talking, texting, emailing or posting, ask yourself, “Where is this message coming from?” Are you communicating from a spot of anger, frustration, fear, desperation or exhaustion? Communicating from an emotional level is more prone to result in misinterpretation. Get to the guts of the problem and take a while to take into consideration probably the most effective approach to communicate without coming across as combative, accusatory, apathetic or insensitive.

Most of us have witnessed a finger within the face, an all-caps text or email, or an offended glare. When we’re offended or frustrated, our voice becomes louder, our body posture becomes more dominant and imposing, and sometimes we invade another person’s personal space. Consider how your body language and tone may impact how your message is received.

Listening is the flexibility to stay silent, hear and understand what an individual desires to say. Listening is difficult; especially in the event you disagree, respect or trust the one who is talking to you. It can also be difficult in the event you are involved in something else, akin to your personal emotions or the duty in front of you. If you are trying to speak with someone and so they have their arms crossed, proceed working whilst you’re talking, or are texting and scrolling, they’re too distracted to essentially hear what you are saying. Before you begin communicating with them, ensure that you’ve got their undivided attention and that you just are giving it to others.

If the person you are attempting to refer to is busy, postpone the conversation until later. However, whether it is an emergency – say so! Say assertively, “I need two minutes of your time because my patient isn’t feeling well and I don’t want him to code” or “It’s urgent and I need to talk to you right away.”

Pay attention to your posture and tone of voice when someone responds to you. Think about the way you felt when someone left before you could possibly speak. Communication is a two-way street; to receive open, honest and respectful communication, we must also offer it.

Communication, like nursing, is each an art and a science.

Communication should consider how people process and respond. It will at all times contain each a message and emotions, it should be based on respect and trust, it ought to be mutual and intentional. The priority is to be an efficient communicator to enhance relationships and results. It underpins all of our interactions with colleagues, patients, and more.