When reading the article, I am not surprised at the amount of affect that communication has in the
workplace. In the article, it states that communication is often an even more important skill than
career specific skills. Communication is not just talking but it is about the detail in which you talk to
people. In addition, it is about the affliction in your voice, and your body language when speaking.
Understanding that everyone’s method of communication is different is an important skill to have.
Also understanding that everyone interprets communication differently is extremely important.
In the workplace I have had experience with interviewing in many areas of work. When
interviewing I have noticed that my communication skills are often commented on. As a person
who comes from diverse work experience it is always mentioned that the experience of working
and communicating with people is a strong suite. I was hired for an internship in accounting while
just starting my master’s degree. Prior to my master’s degree I was an elementary education
teacher and a nanny. Whenever I was interviewed for the internship, the most discussed items
were not my experience in the accounting field but my experience working with people. This factor
has continued to be mentioned throughout my internship and commented to me quite a lot.
Throughout my internship I have worked with many different people, each with their own unique
form of communication. Although you must consider this when conversing with people, you need
not forget your own personal form of communication. For example, I am a person who gives more
details than needed. I would like to ensure that all areas have been covered and answer questions
before they are asked. There have been many people who are not like that. Where they like to give
as little detail as possible unless further questioned. I have had to learn that this is not because
they do not want to communicate with me, but instead it is because we have different methods of
communication. Therefor I have had to make up for that difference by directly asking for the
information I need. In addition, when completing projects, some reviewers give very detailed and
straight forward comments. I needed to learn that the comments were an opportunity to learn.
There are many instances where I know a person’s communication style and know that they will
not budge on their style. Those are people that throughout my internship that I have worked with
but try to avoid taking projects for now.
Lastly, in the work environment, the oral discussions including affliction and body language have
been an adjustment. I am not the type of person to agree with someone just to agree. I like to
respectively explain my opinion. I do not do this to be oppositional, but I believe it is an
opportunity for the other person to open their mind to new ideas. I have had to learn that this is
not normal and sometimes warrants a negative reaction from people. This has happened in many
instances with my opinion on WFH. As an intern many shareholders and partners come into my
office. Many of the conversations turn into my opinion on working from home. I always say, “I like
coming into the office but get more work done at home”. This often warrants a negative and
abrasive response, unfriendly body language and an aggressive affliction in their voice. This
communication is not effective to get your point across. I believe the best possible option is to talk
calming, give information, and remain open-minded about others’ opinions to properly
communicate your own opinion.
Feedback is a communication concept that focuses on providing information to an individual in
reference to their behaviour, whether positive or negative. (Wienclaw, 2021) Feedback is critical
when it comes to communication because when it comes to performance management, employees
need to know how they are currently performing in their current position.
In my previous position as a supervisor and in my current position, managers and supervisors are
encouraged to have feedback sessions with employee at least twice a year. Multiple feedback
sessions are encouraged. We have mid-year and annual feedback sessions. Leadership and
employees can build a rapport between each other when both are transparent when it comes to
performance and behaviour.
In my current position, my supervisor and I have feedback sessions twice a year. I always try to
encourage my supervisor to provide me with real time results when it comes to my performance. If
I am not performing at my best, I would rather know where I can improve and be given some
guidance on how to improve. Usually, my performance is at a great level that I am provided positive
feedback.
Unfortunately, other employees are not given that same opportunity. Supervisors are not giving
their employees feedback throughout the year. Employees are not made aware of their weaknesses
that are allowing them to earn the highest rating possible. Employees are blindsided by negative
feedback without the supervisor's feedback and the employees are not given time to improve in
certain areas.
Wienclaw, Ruth, (2021) Communication in the workplace. Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2021. 8p
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