We all have to communicate with others on business issues. To achieve a good result, it is important to be able to correctly convey information to employees, correctly formulate requests, wishes and comments. Here's what to do and what not to do.
Perhaps you yourself have often begun your request or assignment with the words “I need you,” especially in conversations with subordinates. Alas, this is not the best way to delegate responsibilities and generally interact with colleagues. And that's why.
This cuts off the possibility of adequate feedback.
According to organizational psychologist Laura Gallagher, addressing a colleague or subordinate with the words “I need you,” we do not leave room for discussion in the dialogue. But, perhaps, the interlocutor does not agree with your instructions. Perhaps he or she does not have time or, on the contrary, has more extensive information and knows how to more effectively solve the problem. But we just don't give the person a chance to speak up (although we probably do it unconsciously).
Instead of “I need you,” Gallagher suggests asking a colleague, “I would like you to do this and that. What do you think?" or “We are faced with this problem. Do you have any options on how to solve it? " This is especially important in cases where employee feedback affects the overall result. Do not impose your decision on the interlocutor, first let him or her speak.
It doesn't give a colleague a chance to feel significant.
“A task that you give to an employee takes up his time and resources. It generally affects how a person's working day goes, ”explains Loris Brown, an adult education specialist. “But when handing out assignments to colleagues, many usually do not take into account their priorities and how the new task will affect the implementation of everything else.
In addition, “I need you” is always about us and our priorities. It sounds pretty shameless and rude. In order for employees to meet you halfway, it is important to motivate them and show how the completion of the task will affect the overall results. "
In addition, most of us have a high need for communication and social contact, and people usually enjoy doing something that will benefit their entire social group. “Show that your assignment is important for the common good, and the person will fulfill it more willingly,” the expert notes.
If your colleagues ignore your requests, think about it: you may have done something wrong in the past - for example, you misused their time or did not use the results of their work at all.
To avoid this, try to always be clear about why you need help. For example: “The day after tomorrow at 9:00 am I have a presentation at the client's office. I will be grateful to you if you send the report tomorrow before 17:00 so that I can go over it and add the actual data to the presentation. Do you think it will work out? "
And if you choose the options for the wording of your request or instruction, in each case put yourself in the shoes of the other side - would you want to help?