REWARD
Essential soft skills: To name a few: l communication l adaptability / agility l interpersonal l problem solving l teamwork l planning and organising l time management l decision making l coaching feedback l difficult conversations l high challenge l high support l work ethic l integrity l self-awareness l a growth mindset. Why are they important?
Consider using a combination of all four communication approaches when delivering important information. Not everyone is the same and others may receive communication better in different ways. Most people are visual learners with an estimated retention of 80% of what they see, versus 20% see and 10% hear. In a deadline-driven, multi-tasking industry, where attention spans can be short, graphics are always welcome . Listening skills Listening is one of the most important skills we have. How well we listen has a vast impact on our relationships and effectiveness. Those with strong listening skills improve their productivity and therefore ability to influence. You’re also more likely to stand a better chance of avoiding conflict and misunderstandings. There are five stages to active listening: 1. pay attention l carefully l avoid distractions and what’s going on around you. 2. show you’re listening l nod occasionally (but avoid giving the impression that you are agreeing with what’s being said) l smile and use other facial expressions.
through self-management, self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) CQ allows us to relate to the collective perceptions and social norms while communicating effectively with people from other cultures. Culturally competent leaders possess an understanding of behaviours, beliefs and underlying mindsets that drive an ability to interact effectively in cross-culture situations. According to a Harvard Business Review study, Western European and North American companies focus on results and goals, whereas Asian organisations focus on contributing without upsetting a group harmony. A global mindset, and the ability to see things from multiple perspectives will serve leaders for success. Inclusive leadership Care about and appreciate people. By doing this, you’ll invest your time in helping people feel like they belong and this encourages efficiency through collective intelligence. Practise self-awareness and ask for feedback, for when we’re mindful of our own biases, we become more inclusive. Communication There are four types of communication: 1 . verbal 2 . non-verbal
We use these soft skills / people skills to influence how well we can work together and interact with others. They make it easier to form relationships with people, create trust and dependability, as well as lead teams. All of these can be tested during recruitment for a business. Many businesses will have competency models to articulate what they are. They can also be referred to as values or principles and this is a standard way of seeing how well people are doing. People management skills Characteristics such as integrity, reliability, benevolence and tenacity will help you to nurture and navigate relationships. We will consistently call upon our people skills when managing stakeholders, colleagues, our boss, team, partners such as vendors and outsourcers and key corporate functions (IT, legal, finance, tax, treasury). Communicating well will support the importance of speaking the language of key stakeholders, in order to gain buy-in and the many nuances that constitute an effective communications plan. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and self-awareness Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use and manage your emotions to empathise, communicate effectively, diffuse conflict and overcome challenges. Leaders with high EQ are able to build stronger relationships and achieve personal and professional goals. It’s a skill which can be developed and strengthened through practice and can be achieved
3 . written 4 . visual.
3. provide feedback l ask questions l summarise.
Communication techniques
Talking, reading aloud, voicemail, phone calls, video calls
4. defer judgment l allow them to finish prior to asking questions l don’t interrupt. 5. respond appropriately l provide your opinions respectfully l be open and honest. Improving your soft skills is a simple strategy of self-awareness and reflection, seeking feedback, stepping outside of your comfort zone and finding learning and development opportunities. These will no doubt put you on the path to your own success. n
Verbal
Charts, graphs, drawings, videos, animations, diagrams, maps, photographs
Visual
Emails, chat, text, reports, documents, SOPs, other written messages
Written
Nodding, shaking heads, shaking hands, pointing, eye contact, smiling, frowning, leaning forwards Non-verbal
What are the four different communication techniques and what do they involve?
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 89 | April 2023
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