Office Communications ...

Over the course of a business day, everyone gets so much information that skimming is the norm. I'm as guilty as everyone else when it comes to this. Communications only work if everyone reads or hears the entire message. There are numerous ways of communicating around the office, but the central theme is effective communications, no matter what.

Memo Guy ...

I once worked for a PD who hated to hold air staff meetings but loved handing out detailed memos. if anything needed clarification, we were encouraged to individually ask questions. These were creations on paper and not e-mails with a sketchy subject line description. Why did this work? Because he made it clear what he wanted.

Verbal Style Variations ...

Radio is no different than other jobs; you will come across bosses, co-workers, and clients with a variety of communication styles. Some may not fit your ethical or moral code, but do not let that stop you from learning. The yeller type might become the best business friend you ever had, or the quiet soft-spoken boss, the biggest back stabber. Don't look for yourself in others or get caught up with occasional verbal theatrics, listen to the message. By the way, only the boss can get away with the loud verbal thing, don't try it.

He Yelled...But I Listened ...

I once sold cars and the general manager of the dealership took a liking to me. He was a yeller type and stressed in meetings to immediately find out if the customer was there to buy. We were told to use tact but get the answer in 5 minutes or less. "If a deal can be made today, will you buy a car?" The GM said, "They will either say yes or no, and a maybe is a polite no." His message was to be clear with what we were asking.

Apply What You Learn ...

A lot were put off by the GM's communication methods, but I put his words to the test and would daily ask for a hot car on the lot for my personal use. One day at our sales meeting, he was asked why I always got to take home whatever car I wanted. He said: "Because he asks." It was a valuable lesson, I learned to listen for the message and not how the messenger communicated.

Say Something ...

Communications works both ways, not just from the top down. Employers, managers, and co-workers are not psychics, they won't know what you're thinking until you say something. If you have an idea share it. Don't assume your answer will be rejected. With time, you'll learn to the pick times to open your mouth.

You Communicated & Got Rejected ...

You may not always get the answer you want but do not take it personally or as a sign of disrespect. Most times there are logical reasons for rejections. Maybe the timing is wrong; it's been tried before and didn't work; maybe it's a bad idea; or you are an unknown source and others don't feel comfortable with you yet. You don't have to do anything special, give it time, do your work, stay out of office clicks, don't gossip, complete assignments on time, and be pleasant to work around. Once co-workers get to know you, your ideas will be met with better reception and consideration.