The power of positive communication

HEALTH AND SAFETY —

The power of positive communication

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place” George Bernard Shaw

Positive communication is one of the most important components of positive mental wellbeing, and productive, happy workplaces.

But – the process of communication is not easy. We often take it for granted that what we said, has been received in the way we intended, though it goes through lots of ‘filters’ which can totally distort the end result.

These filters are just day to day situations we experience such as prejudices about the person we are communicating with, our emotional state (e.g. too tired or busy to focus), cultural differences, physical barriers such as noise or the type of language used.

Remember the most important thing is for communication to be POSITIVE. Concrete pills and telling people to harden up just doesn’t work. Here’s some tips that will help you to create more positive communication in your workplace and at home!

1. The 3 Vs – Visual Vocal Verbal Cues:

Our brains pick up more cues from visual and vocal communication; in fact only 7% of the message is understood from the actual words used. If you spend more time focusing on the other person, you will find that you pick up way more data; and by being genuinely focused on the other person, you will engage them more which in turn encourages them to contribute more to the conversation.

2. The 3:1 Ratio

We need at least three pieces of positive information to one negative. Some studies say as much as five to one. Think about how you deliver ‘bad news’ to staff. Are they getting bombarded mostly with negative information or feedback? If so, that encourages dis-engagement, lack of motivation and poor performance. In toolbox or health and safety meetings, or one-on-one meetings with individual staff, try focusing on what has gone well. Really explore these positive events, ask how they made these events successful, what strengths were used, what has been learnt from that, and ask how those strengths and strategies can be applied to those aspects that have not gone so well. Many studies have shown that H&S meetings run this way result in a significant decrease in safety incidents.

3. The Ripple Effect

We all have good days and bad days and we all have emotional responses to what’s happening. Be aware of how you are feeling before you walk into that staff meeting, have some positive strategies to keep those emotions in check if necessary, so negativity doesn’t rub off on others. When that group of staff leave the room, they are likely to spread the mood you demonstrated, to others. Those people will influence another group, and so on. Think about the direct and indirect impact you can have on others just through your own emotional responses.

We can all be leaders and influencers through positive communication.

Want to know more?

EWP Services can assist your workplace. Contact Pauline Wrigley, Managing Director paulinew@ewpservices.co.nz; ewpservices.co.nz or call 0800 800 397.

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