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| Communication is Knowledge Worker’s Greatest Skill |
By:
Catherine Madden |
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Communication is Knowledge Worker’s Greatest Skill
by Catherine Madden
For the first time in American history there are more workers using their brain rather than their backs. The new worker is called a knowledge worker. Their value is dependant on their ability to think, analyze and innovate. But a lack of communication skill can and does undermine even the most innovative worker.
Communication is more than talking and listening. Genuine communication requires a deep understanding of another person’s perspective. But when you take into consideration all our biases, behavioral idiosyncrasies, unspoken emotions, personal agendas and unshared assumptions, this can seem almost impossible.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports the number one deficit in new hires is a lack of communication skills. When problems arise in the workplace, it usually isn't because people don't have the right information. Things go awry when communication breaks down -- often because someone speaks or behaves inconsiderately. Good manners and self awareness help keep groups moving toward their goal with a minimum of stress and tension.
Strong outspoken personalities can often overwhelm a team and overlook the input of a quieter member. When this happens the final outcome frequently suffers.
In an effort to be inclusive, it’s advisable to learn where our biases are. Most of us are pretty good at assessing other people’s problems. But it’s far more important and valuable to assess ourselves. Because at the end of the day we are the only ones we can change.
Knowing our strengths and weaknesses helps us know how to live in a world that requires quick decision making. We need to understand that we only have pieces of the solution. Our team members have the other needed pieces.
Skillful communicators know how to encourage all team members in the solution finding process. They know how to listen. They know how to give the shy speaker the space they need to get their point across.
Failure to apply your communication skill usually prevents you from realizing success in the workplace. Tools like DiSC, Myers Briggs and the work of Dr. Robert Hartman in thought and values clarification give us new insights and powerful ways to improve our communication skills.
Experts tell us most of our adult life will be spent at work. The twenty year career is a thing of the past. Researchers tell us to anticipate a career history of approximately fifty years.
Working with individuals who share our values will make the work/life experience more satisfying. It’s important to feel that the work we do compliments our core life values and that it’s meaningful.
The individual’s average working life is likely to be fifty years but the average life expectancy of a successful corporation is only thirty years and in a period of great turmoil like this one it may not even be that long. We can forecast that knowledge workers (people who work with information rather than tools) will outlive their organizations and even their specialties. Workers of the future must prepare for more than one job, more than one assignment and more than one career.
One set of career skills however remains the foundation for all success. Good communication skills continue to be the single greatest asset to a career.
www.speakpower.com |
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