3 Communication Habits From School That Don't Work for Business
Our experiences in school are undoubtedly the most formative years of our lives. We learn how to learn, how to socialize, and many of us learn who we are during those years.
While the purpose of school is to create an environment for students to learn, some of the communication habits we develop there don't always translate to the business world where the environment is more so for collaboration and production than for learning.
Here are three communication habits to reconsider after you transition from the world of academia to the world of business.
1. Highest word count wins!
Remember being asked to write "at least ### words” for an assignment? While that encourages students to think through or fully argue a point, it RUINS US for succinct workplace writing.
With most workplace writing, your readers don't actually want to read your writing - it's a harsh truth, I know! However, that doesn't take away from anyone's need to share information. A great way to make your workplace writing stronger is to make the message as concise as possible.
If there really is a lot to say, string together short and scannable sections within the message. To make your sections easy for busy readers to scan:
- Use short and simple headings that are bigger and bolder than the rest of your text.
- Place your headings closer to the content they introduce than to surrounding content.
- Use bullet points
PRO TIP: Organize your sections with some logic. For example, you could arrange them chronologically or begin with the big idea and then break it down into more detail.
For more tips on improving your business writing, check out my blog post on business writing tips.
2. Only speak when called upon.
If you have suggestions or ideas to improve your work or workplace - SHARE THEM! Don’t wait for someone to ask you for them. In my experience, most people are grateful to learn new ideas and to get constructive feedback if it's offered with sincerity, tact, and positive intentions.
Get comfortable talking with your manager about concerns and ideas you have, or introduce yourself personally to the meeting/project organizer and send them a tactful email letting them know your thoughts. If the mood is right, you may even be able to schedule time with them to share your thoughts! Don't let your good ideas live and die in your own imagination just because you don't:
- Have decision-making power
- Work in that department
- Know if the idea is any good
None of that matters! Get out there and say something to someone. It can boost your career to have people in your organization know you can think outside the box of your own job role.
Keepyour eyes on your own paper!
I totally get why kids can't cheat off of each other's work and tests. But what this instills in us is a siloed view of working. You do yours, the others will do theirs, and everyone gets their own grade.
In most workplaces, it’s important to look across teams and job functions to work as a more unified organization. Sure, you're responsible for your portion of work, but if you're "covering your paper" and not allowing others any insight into your own work, you're doing everyone a disservice.
- Let others in on what you're working on and what challenges you're facing.
- Ask about work others are doing that affect you and your work.
Teams arestronger when everyone is in on the conversation!
Interested in training on essential business communication skills like professional writing, impactful listening, public speaking, and the DiSC model? Contact Gordeaux today! Your team will learn how to use stronger communication practices to improve your workplace culture and fuel business success.