Communication is a two-way process and is essential in connecting with people. It can be through either verbal or nonverbal form of interaction as long as you are able to convey the meaning of your message.

Often times, we find ourselves stuck in a conversation or even worse, can’t seem to struck a conversation. Whenever you’re unsure of what are the right things to say, you tend to play it safe -- even when at work.

Even if you finish all your tasks on time, pass the project before the deadline and arrive early to work each day; all these won’t be rewarded if you fail to do well in one significant aspect -- communication. It’s even impossible to deliver a great team project if you don’t interact well with them.

Don’t hold back the words and refrain your opinion from being spoken especially if it’s truthful. Bad communication may cause major repercussions if not observed. Here are the times you have demonstrated communication mistakes and along with them are tips on how you can improve.

Asking stupid questions.

Specifically questions that has obvious answers. If this is your way of trying to strike a conversation, make sure that it’s not an air-filled question otherwise you’ll look and sound more like a 12-year-old rather than a professional.

In addition, stop making statements that ends up sounding like a question i.e. “The deadline is next week so I shall pass it on or before, right?” You’ll only end up annoying the person if you ask no-brainer questions. The solution to this is to be confident with each and every statement you have to say. And before you actually speak out, make sure that the words go through your head first before it comes out from your mouth just to ensure you’re saying the right words. It’s also a great way to prevent yourself from offending anyone.

Poor management of criticisms.

Criticisms and feedback's, whether positive or negative, are good and useful insights. If you happen to be thrown a negative Feedback, don’t be hard on yourself and instead, use it to your advantage.

Your bosses and coworkers gave you a negative feedback because that’s what they see. They’re not attacking you and trying to get rid of you. In fact, they want to inform you that “This is the problem that you’re unaware of and there are ways you can improve.” Remember, they are advising you these issues for you to know. This isn’t for them, it’s for your own benefit. If you’re given a positive feedback, that’s great for you however, don’t settle with your Performance instead, do more, be better and live up beyond their expectations.

Being too self-absorbed.

It’s okay to talk about how your weekend getaway with your family went and your healthy meal plan for the week. But don’t be too narcissistic that you forget to ask and listen to their stories.

Communication is a two-way interaction. To put it simply, stop being too self-centered and refrain from talking about yourself too much. Also, when it comes to discussion in the meeting room. Instead of “me” or “I”, include the members of your team and say “We”. Your team’s success isn’t solely credited to your own, it is a group effort. Always focus your mindset on the whole company’s growth and development not just your own personal and career growth.

Failure to ask for feedback's/insights.

Failure to self-promote. Settling with your performance and not asking for other people’s feedback can be a setback and harmful for your career.

Feedback's are great tool to evaluate your overall performance. It does not necessarily center on your work performance but also the way you interact with coworkers. Once you get the evaluation, don’t feel so upset of the negative insight. Always convert that into something you can benefit from; use it as your own advantage to become a better person and employee. Then you’ll know how much it boosts your performance and interaction with your team.

Locking yourself in your safe zone.

It’s okay to take everything slow and steady during your first few months at work. But if you feel as if you’re stuck and don’t move ahead, you’re doing it wrong.

If you’re only doing what’s indicated in your job description, that’s a big threat to your career. If you want to work on a different project but thinks it’s far from your job role, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor or manager if it’s possible for you to get ahead. Sometimes, your supervisor is only waiting for you to take the initiative so always be open to grab opportunities.

Your email habits are bad.

Leaving the subject line blank, not indicating specific details in your message, too long and irrelevant emails, too much information in your message and other bad email habits can damage your professional career.

You need to be professional in each and every email you send out. Also, as much as possible, remember KISS: Keep It Short and Simple. Crafting an email can be time consuming. You only need to include all the vital and significant information and a little ice breaker, depending on your relationship with the recipient.

Always interrupting.

Probably one of the most annoying and offensive way of conversing is when you interrupt someone or a group of people.

Interruption is simply pertaining “What I have to say is thrice more important than what you’re saying.” It’s a major no-no not only in your workplace but outside those walls as well. If you see this as a power move and to feel dominant between the two of you or among the group, it may not work and you will only come off as rude. So please, refrain from doing this.

Have you got something to add or share? Don’t hesitate to comment below!

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