Communication

Cultivating Constructive Communication (101)

Successful communication is more complicated than most people assume.  Ineffective communication may lead to confusion, conflict, impaired cooperation and damaged relationships.  Learning the art of constructive communication gives us a chance to share ideas, convey understanding, and improve the effectiveness of working together on a common goal.   You will learn to:

  • Examine the communication process for transferring thoughts and ideas  
  • Understand the complications that lead to miscommunication
  • Implement reflective feedback to ensure effective receipt of the messaging
  • Use techniques that can turn assumptions into facts
  • Choose words or phrases that can trigger positive reactions
  • Implement simple tools that warn you of potential conflicts
  • Minimize or repair the damage when miscommunication goes awry

Applying Active Listening (201)

Successful communication is impossible if the message isn’t received with the intended purpose. It is helpful for the listener/receiver to be open, attentive, interested and aware. You will learn to:

  • Understand the basics of successful communication
  • Understand why Active Listening matters
  • Learn a Chinese perspective on effective listening
  • Overcome the barriers that impede communication success
  • Use four steps to enhance your active listening skills
  • See the video on Active Listening here

Minimizing Conflict (301)

Conflict is inevitable and is almost always created or complicated by ineffective communication.  It is important to proactively identify conflict and seek to minimize and address its causes to seek solutions that will build bridges of trust, cooperation and mutual collaboration.  You will learn to:

  • Understand the impact of emotions in communication
  • Use techniques for identifying conflict ASAP
  • Place the proper focus of responsibility ___
  • Create an atmosphere that improves receptivity to communication
  • Choose the best methods for investigating conflict and avoiding the pitfalls
  • Explore effective action when you’re (emotionally) triggered

Communicating With Confidence: The ABC's (401)

Like it or not, virtual communication and meetings are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be productive and use this time effectively.  Meetings should be an important opportunity for groups and teams to share ideas, make decisions, report on progress and address the needs that facilitate success.  You will learn to:

  • Address the audio and visual elements that can make or break your impact
  • Maximize the virtual space to expand your message physically
  • Explore the best protocols for reacting, signaling and chat
 

Dealing With Difficult People (501)