We are coming into the festive season, and with that, comes the responsibility for the health and safety of ourselves and our staff.
We need to be mindful of the effects of alcohol during the festive season and if being consumed at work-related functions, the impact this could have on the individual, the manager and the organisation.
Here are some tips to help you during this period.
1. Enjoy yourself, but remember to conduct yourself professionally. Someone will remember what you do or say on Monday.
2. Even though you may have an opportunity to “blow off steam” remember it is still a company function and you will need to face everyone again.
3. Dress appropriately - ensure you know the dress code and make an impression by dressing with style and good taste.
4. Ensure you behave appropriately. Harassment is still an issue at company functions.
5. Make sure you know how you are getting home. Getting stuck in a city is never fun.
Finally, ensure you have a good time, remain positive and festive and take care of your teammates.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Is effective communication happening in your business?
Successful businesses recognise the importance of effective communication. Communication is the number one driver of change, so how do you measure up? Are you able to implement change in your workplace through effective communication?
Below are some tips on how to improve the communication levels in your workplace.
1. Address the channels you use when communicating
Information should flow freely across the workplace: top down, bottom up and sideways and you should encourage it from employees, clients, customers, vendors, stakeholders – anyone that has access to your team.
Make sure you know information is flowing through the organisation. Assess regularly and avoid the common pitfall of people or departments becoming protective of information and forgetting the bigger business picture.
Remove any roadblocks that are preventing communication from happening effectively in your workplace.
2. Remove barriers to communication
Here are some of the more common ones:
• Lack of formal communication. Don’t’ let information get out via the water-cooler chat. This creates a breeding ground for gossip, mis-information, mistrust and is ultimately bad for your business. If you have an important message to deliver, ensure you use formal channels.
• Email. Has email has become the main channel of communication in your workplace? Your tone of voice and body language are important in communication. So take the time to meet, or at least phone someone, where necessary.
• Workplace Culture. Is your workplace inhibiting the flow of information? Are your employees involved in teamwork and decision making? When key changes are made, do you invite input from the team? Remember - actions speak louder than words. Make sure you are approachable and available to your team.
• Time Management. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day work and “forget” to communicate. Make time for your team – block your calendar and make sure you spend time informally and formally to communicate and provide feedback.
3. Listening
Probably the most important communication tip. You can’t communicate well unless you are listening effectively, so make sure you are taking time to stop talking, hear, and fully understand what others are saying during every conversation.
Below are some tips on how to improve the communication levels in your workplace.
1. Address the channels you use when communicating
Information should flow freely across the workplace: top down, bottom up and sideways and you should encourage it from employees, clients, customers, vendors, stakeholders – anyone that has access to your team.
Make sure you know information is flowing through the organisation. Assess regularly and avoid the common pitfall of people or departments becoming protective of information and forgetting the bigger business picture.
Remove any roadblocks that are preventing communication from happening effectively in your workplace.
2. Remove barriers to communication
Here are some of the more common ones:
• Lack of formal communication. Don’t’ let information get out via the water-cooler chat. This creates a breeding ground for gossip, mis-information, mistrust and is ultimately bad for your business. If you have an important message to deliver, ensure you use formal channels.
• Email. Has email has become the main channel of communication in your workplace? Your tone of voice and body language are important in communication. So take the time to meet, or at least phone someone, where necessary.
• Workplace Culture. Is your workplace inhibiting the flow of information? Are your employees involved in teamwork and decision making? When key changes are made, do you invite input from the team? Remember - actions speak louder than words. Make sure you are approachable and available to your team.
• Time Management. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day work and “forget” to communicate. Make time for your team – block your calendar and make sure you spend time informally and formally to communicate and provide feedback.
3. Listening
Probably the most important communication tip. You can’t communicate well unless you are listening effectively, so make sure you are taking time to stop talking, hear, and fully understand what others are saying during every conversation.
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