Page 193 - DMGT106_MANAGING_HUMAN_ELEMENTS_AT_WORK

Unit 8: Communication and Conflict

Notes
Figure 8.1: Communication Networks

Circle Free or Decentralised Circle

Wheel or Star Chain

or
or

8.5 Becoming a Better Communicator

Responsibility as a supervisor is to communicate clearly and concisely to all employees and
create an environment conducive to openness for others. As the staffs become more diverse,
you may have to take extra time and efforts, to communicate to all staff members. To become
a better communicator.
8.5.1 Create an Open Communication Environment in Your Unit

Encourage employees to talk about work issues; listen carefully and respond to questions
or concerns with actions or answers. If an issue is outside your authority, pass it along to
the appropriate person; then be sure to follow up.

8.5.2 Conduct Regular Staff Meetings
Tell your staff about decisions that may affect them or the work they do and the reasons
for those decisions. Use staff meetings to encourage feedback, generate ideas, solve problems,
and gain support.

8.5.3 Setup Individual Meetings
Set some time aside periodically to meet one-on-one with employees. Group staff meetings
are important; however, meeting separately with your employees shows concern about their
individual work issues.

8.5.4 Effective Listening
An important ingredient that runs through all good communication is listening. Listening
is a skill that can be practiced and learned. Your goal as a listener is to fully understand your
employee’s experience and point of view. Give the employee a chance to talk for a while
before you say anything.
Use Non-verbal Communication: Be aware of what you communicate with your body
language; your posture and expressions can convey your attitudes toward a speaker even
before you say one word. Use body language to show the speaker that you are engaged in
the conversation and open to hearing.
Recognize Your Own Prejudices: Be aware of your own feelings toward the speaker. If you
are unsure about what the speaker means, ask for clarification instead of making assumptions.

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