Effective Workplace Communication Skills (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)
How Successful Managers Ensure Successful Communication with Employees
The problem with communication…is the illusion that it has been accomplished. - George Bernard Shaw.
Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. - Robert Greenleaf
We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus
Communication is extremely important for those accountants who want to excel and advance their careers. It’s so important, in fact, that we’ve dedicated a two-part series to developing effective communication skills. Last week we discussed the following four tips in accomplishing that:
- Determine your message
- Select the most appropriate communication method
- Ask for feedback
- Listen with intent
To become a manager you must have excellent soft skills. Communication is absolutely necessary if you are to manage well. Perhaps as an accountant you thought developing those skills would never be a priority. They’re not, if you are content being managed by someone else.
This week we will cover the final four tips in developing effective communication skills as an accounting manager:
5. Speak up!
In order to instill confidence in those you are speaking with, you must speak with confidence. This requires you to speak up and speak clearly. This might take practice and a little introspection as you determine how you can project a more confident image when speaking with others.
6. Tackle difficult topics
Often we avoid those topics that need the most attention. It may be difficult to talk with an employee about objectionable behavior or address a team about their questionable approach. But in order to manage successfully you are required to tackle the difficult topics, to speak about that which most would want to avoid. It may sound ugly, but that’s why you’re the manager. That’s why you get paid the big bucks.
7. Practice presentation skills
Managers give presentations. They deliver proposals, reports, and even announcements in staff meeting. If you plan on becoming a manager you must practice your presentation skills. Perhaps this will require you take a class or practice in front of the mirror. Regardless of the method you choose you must become comfortable, or at least appear comfortable, presenting messages before groups of people.
8. Allow everyone the opportunity to voice opinions
Good managers make an effort to become familiar with their coworkers’ opinions. Not necessarily their political views or their food preferences, but what they think about the climate at work and how the company is handling projects and work flow. The manager who doesn’t listen to his/her coworkers is missing out on valuable information.
An Accountant’s Role
There are three business functions that must work well together in order to increase a company’s profitability. And you guessed it; accounting is one of these three functions. Accounting, marketing, and production are the three functions that must work well together to ensure success. If you would like to learn how to improve communication among these different functions while increasing your employer’s profitability you must read In the Black by Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center.
This book will enable you to become a more valuable employee and, if you’re not already, a prime candidate for a managerial position. For less than twenty dollars you could advance your career while strengthening your employability. Order your copy of In the Black now!
