3 Things I learn about Communication

On 27th July 2014, I posted a status in Social Media - "Humanise our approach, when technology became an important tool of communication."

Why? This is because I value communication from the bottom of my heart.

I am currently working as a part timer in an organisation - AIESEC , which I need to do virtual conference calls to stay engaged with my team who are working in office / all over Malaysia. Thanks to email, Podio, Google Hangout, Skype, Facebook and Watsapp which allows me to stay connected with my team.

"As much as we value the advancement of Information Technology, we learn to value human connections & interactions." At least, it works for me. =)

So far, these are the 3 things I learn about communication.

1. Human are Social Animals with 5 Senses
God gifted us with 5 senses - touch, smell, taste, seeing, & listening. These allows us to exchange information (communicate) and learn. While delivering a session, make sure we touch at least 2 out of 5 senses to whom we wish to deliver the information. It works the same while we are communicating with people virtually or physically. Of course, if we are able to touch 3 out of 5 senses, that will become a powerful presentation.

How I do it? Whenever the internet connection allows us to do so, always open your webcam during conference call. Make sure everyone can see your expression, gestures and listen to you. Gotcha! You touch 2 senses.

2. Email is not the only tool of Communication

"...for over 100 billion emails sent and received per day. Email remains the predominant form of communication in the business space. This trend is expected to continue, and business email will account for over 132 billion emails sent and received per day by the end of 2017." - source Email Statistics Report, 2013-2017 - The Radicati Group, Inc.

We can't deny that email is very important for exchange of information and to keep paper trail. It's also a fact that, emails are boring. Why? Because it only touches the sense of seeing of the reader. 

Email is important, but we need to learn how to make our email engaging. It comes with our understanding on how to use the suitable word and grammar. Enrol yourself to : Writing For Specific Purpose class. =)

Once we get used to email communication, don't forget there are still a lot of ways of communications.

Email is a tool for us to exchange information and set appointments. It is not a tool for discussions. Get off your seat and get to the person to talk. Otherwise, set a conference meeting and lets talk and listen to each other.

3. We invest more time on operations, and forget to communicate.
Often, we got our head into a problem and try hard to figure out a solution ourselves. We put on our headphone to seek for a 'me time' and inspiration through music. That's what I respect, but I don't think it's good to keep a problem to ourselves in a work place.

As much as we care about operations and strategies, we learn how to talk to our team mates to gain new perspectives. I enjoy talking to people who are out of my functional area, because they can see my product from a customer's perspective. 

For both listeners and perspective seekers, put this in our mind - "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." - the principles of empathetic communication from Stephen R. Covey (Author : The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). We have one in our office. =P



This is a personal sharing on what I learn about communication and human interaction. Hope it helps.

I am happy to spend 2 hours of my Saturday to slow down, reflect and share my thoughts about communication. How about you? What makes you happy today?

Also inspired by : 

Simon Sinek: If You Don't Understand People, You Don't Understand Business

Cheers.

John Lau C.K.