5 rules for effective communication among people at the workplace

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We often say that \"in the world, one has no control over their own fate,\" and the same is true in the workplace, where there are many different kinds of people. Everyone wants to showcase their talents in order to rise to a higher position. However, when there are many people involved, it becomes necessary to rely on communication and cooperation in order to complete one’s work or maintain good relationships among people. Only through effective communication can one get through work hours. So, how can one become an expert at communication in the office? Here are 5 rules for effective communication among people at work: Rule 1: Do not communicate when emotional. A harmonious atmosphere is a prerequisite for effective communication. Communication in times of emotion often involves harsh words; it’s difficult to make sense of things or express oneself clearly. Especially when emotionally charged, it’s easy to act impulsively and lose rationality. Examples include couples who argue violently, parents and children who become enemies, or bosses and subordinates who are at odds for a long time… In particular, it’s crucial not to make impulsive decisions under the influence of emotions, as this can easily lead to situations that cannot be reversed and cause regret. Irrational behavior only leads to arguments, with no outcome whatsoever, let alone a positive one. Therefore, such communication is useless. Especially in times of communication crises, dealing with the situation emotionally not only fails to resolve the issue but also exacerbates it. 　　Rule 2: Open and honest communication This is a very important aspect in dealing with communication crises. Hiding things from one another, speaking insincerely, and even sowing discord among team members can severely damage the working atmosphere within a team, hinder normal communication among its members, and ultimately lead to the failure of projects or businesses. 　　Communication plays a crucial role in the functioning of a team; research shows that 80% of a team’s productivity stems from good communication. Professor Tan Xiaofang, a renowned expert in business management, states that through effective communication, it is possible to prevent conflicts and disputes arising from cultural differences among team members as well as between the team and clients, thereby maintaining consistency in the team’s goals. 　　Rule 3: Understand your own role and position. Communication is not just talking to oneself; it has two dimensions. One is the sender of the information, and the other is the receiver; they exchange messages back and forth, taking on roles interchangeably as the information is passed back and forth repeatedly. These two dimensions should be equal, with each party having full \"right to communicate\"; they should also be harmonious, allowing each party to express its own views regarding communication; furthermore, they should be interactive, so that through continuous exchange of information and discussion, a common consensus can be reached. 　　Especially newcomers to the workplace should keep in mind that communication is not about listening passively in silence, nor is it about talking non-stop and boasting. Communication is always an equal and harmonious interaction between two parties; understanding one’s own role and position, as well as knowing the appropriate dimensions and boundaries of communication, are key to successful communication. 　　Rule 4: Find the right time and place. If you disagree with a decision made by your supervisor, it is the worst thing to express your opinions in public or to send an angry email with harsh wording. 　　Make sure you choose the right moment – challenging your hungry boss in a meeting is not a good idea. Of course, one should not just barge into the supervisor’s office; instead, it is appropriate to ask to have a private meeting with them. Face-to-face communication is the better approach; even if you think it might cause significant emotional fluctuations, communication through emails is not an option. 　　Rule 5: The way of communicating cannot remain unchanged. Everyone has inherent communication habits, styles, or preferences. So, how many ways are there to communicate with that person who ‘can’t communicate’? It’s unrealistic to expect everyone in the world to understand your language. For example, in foreign companies, communication often takes place in English. If you use sentences of your own creation to communicate, the other party won’t understand them, so you need to find another way to express yourself; otherwise they will never understand. 　　A reminder: focus on yourself, change your way of communicating, and try to communicate in different ways. We can change ourselves, but we cannot change others, unless those \"others\" are willing to change. The problem is ice; communication is fire. Only communication can melt the ice and resolve the issues.