HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE THE ART OF COMMUNICATION

by Erin King

Whether you're in charge of the whole operation or one piece of the puzzle, having good work habits in order can be the difference between a workday you love and one you dread.

Habits that enhance efficiency and productivity make life easier for everyone, keep morale high and promote a healthy work culture.

A known history of good work habits can decide whether you're picked up or passed over by an employer. Most people would probably prefer to work for a well-run company than one that's chaotic if given a choice. You probably won't hear people complain too much about a workplace that operates efficiently.

There are many opinions on what makes a workplace successful from different viewpoints. In general, bosses and workers can have different ideas about what's most beneficial.

A functional workplace might include good lighting and chairs, a receptive HR department, and essential technology. Employees might look for flexible hours and a job that gives them a sense of purpose, while a manager might value dedication and punctuality.

But when it comes to overall work habits for everybody, what's the number one practice that can make all the difference?

When speaking with local business leaders about what they thought was the best habit to have - employee or boss - for an optimal working environment, there is one resounding theme at the very top of the list - communication.

Effective communication in the workplace benefits everybody. It's a skill that translates across all job descriptions and ranks, enhancing everyone's experience and being good for business overall.

Effective workplace communication can avoid and alleviate conflict, cultivate customer relationships, promote innovation and creativity, enhance job satisfaction and employee commitment, boost productivity, and develop teamwork and trust.

Laura Petrunick, Financial Advisor with Desjardin, says "Good communication involves listening, learning, sharing, caring, being open and thoughtful for my team and me.”

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“When we're communicating well, we can anticipate each other's needs and feel comfortable expressing ours. Open communication allows us to show appreciation for our team members because everyone is listened to and celebrated for their opinions. It makes everyone more responsive to feedback and suggestions without feeling criticized, enabling everyone to be receptive to new ideas. This dynamic builds loyalty and trust, developing a stronger team where everyone feels valued, and if our team is strong, we can provide better service to our clients.” Said Laura.

At the office, the teams Executive Assistant, Judy, has been integral in introducing many improvements to office communication. Proactively sharing ideas and seeking solutions to openly share with the team shows leadership in communication. “We appreciate when Judy communicates proactively because it makes our work lives better, and ideas that improve our methods benefit our clients as much as us.” Said Laura.

Communication is critical not only to highlight the positives, but also to identify struggles and challenges. Work environments, regardless of industry, can be demanding and if team members are not comfortable sharing when they are overwhelmed, other team members wouldn't be aware to assist. “Not sharing when you are overwhelmed quickly leads to burnout and possibly the loss of an outstanding employee. We want everyone on the team to feel valued and validated." Said Laura.

Jeff Chesebrough, CEO of Innovate Niagara, leads not only his team at Innovate but also several entrepreneurs and business leaders. Building an accessible and open culture that drives growth and innovation, Jeff has often reflected on what habits truly drive effective leadership across the board. "When I posed this question to our team, the leading answer is effective communication. Communication is crucial now more than ever, with remote work being the norm and people often unable to be physically next to each other. Virtual meetings and one-on-one check-ins need to be appropriately structured each week to give team members enough time to work together in groups and pairs. There needs to be enough virtual intermingling for each team member to reach the others to enable circulation of everyone's input and shared ideas." Said Jeff.

It's interesting to note that even though communication can mean different things to different people, it's clear that it's an essential building block to a successful workplace—one of the best habits to have no matter your role, your industry, or your influence.

If you are looking to build a better business, be a better employee, or shine as a leader, working on your communication skills can help you create a productive, peaceful workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and validated.

Sources: https://www.workplacetesting.com/definition/2576/work-habit https://theleegroup.com/top-qualities-good-leader-good-boss/ https://www.getsmarter.com/blog/employee-development/the-top-skills-of-a-good-employee/ https://mindscount.org/the-13-workplace-factors/ https://worldfinancialreview.com/create-a-functional-and-efficient-workplace-with-these-clever-tips/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/alankohll/2018/07/10/what-employees-really-want-at-work/?sh=75089e675ad3

Laura Petrunick, B.A. MScEd CHS

Financial Advisor The Vaughan Team

Working with The Vaughan Team since 2016, Laura is a community leader and as a former teacher, possesses a unique passion about financial education.

Jeff Chesebrough

CEO Innovate Niagara

Working with The Vaughan Team since 2016, Laura is a community leader and as a former teacher, possesses a unique passion about financial education.