One of the most critical problems in all workplaces across the world is communication and interpersonal relationships.

People just do not seem to get along with one another, and as a result of which, work suffers.

This is why good communication skills in the workplace are among the most important aspects of a successful organization.  How do you get people to communicate effectively with one another?

Here are a few simple tips to get people to communicate better with one another:

 Tip #1:  Instill a culture of mutual respect – to communicate well people should feel valued and respected. Hence, it is very important that there is a culture of mutual respect nurtured in the workplace.

In other words, there is no bullying, no looking down upon others, no misplaced airs of superiority.  People should feel important and valued in whatever task they are doing.

Tip #2: The clarity in roles and responsibilities – many communication problems at work happen because people are not clear about their roles.

If X feels his responsibility is doing a-b-c-d he is likely to ignore it when Y asks him to do e-f-g-h. Y would get frustrated with X’s behavior because he feels that it was his job and suddenly no work gets done.  There is limited cooperation with each other.

 Tip #3: Encourage informal meetings frequently – communication skills in the workplace often come with familiarity; and this happens when people get to know one another.

It is difficult to ignore or sabotage a person you know well. Hence, it is important that people who work together get time to know one another better.

Tip #4: Eliminate abusive behavior at the workplace – ensure that bullying and abusive behavior does not gain acceptance at your workplace. Pull up ruthlessly anyone who misbehaves, bullies, or abuses any co-worker.

In an atmosphere of goodwill, people tend to communicate best with one another and cooperate with one another to optimize productivity.

Tip #5:  Deal with conflict immediately – even in the best organization conflict can and will arise or tempers flare up from time to time.

To ensure communication skills in the workplace you need to handle conflict as soon as it starts or it would fester into something unpleasant which would spill over throughout the workplace. Handle conflict fast and with a decisive hand.

When you focus on getting people to communicate better with one another, your efforts help build a foundation for success, both for your company and overall employee happiness.

Keep your team’s communication successful using any and/or all of these tips as you work to build your own strategies.