When it comes to mastering that first impression, building team camaraderie, or closing the deal, communication is key. From spoken words to body language, boost your business-communication game with three easy tips.
Embrace Eye Contact
They say, “The eyes have it,” and they’re right. Eye contact – typically associated with perceived confidence, credibility, and forthrightness – can make a big difference in business. In a Northwestern Medicine study released in 2013, for example, researchers determined that doctors who engage in lots of eye contact are considered more likable and empathetic by their patients.
Northwestern University reported on its website that the study, published in the Journal of Participatory Medicine, discovered “while social touch and length of visit can play a role in a patient’s perception of doctor empathy, the amount of eye contact the doctor made was the most important factor for patients.”
Make Smiling a Habit
Sure, this seems like a no-brainer – after all, a genuine smile can:
- Break the ice
- Defuse a potentially tense situation
- Win friends, fans, and customers alike
But there’s nothing like data to drive the point home. According to Kingston University Research reported by ScienceDaily, for example, smiles and friendly greetings help drive small-business customer loyalty.
The site reported that the study, after reviewing the behavior of more than 2,000 consumers and the business practices of over 1,200 decision makers, found “that a smile and a friendly hello is the most common reason … consumers feel loyal [toward] independent retailers.”
Share Clear Feedback
Even the best staff teams can experience conflict in the workplace. What separates successful teams from the ones that struggle? How they handle conflict.
Whether a team member is constantly negative, seems disengaged, or doesn’t pull their weight, use the power of clear and concise feedback to get things back on track:
- State the purpose of the feedback
- Avoid stockpiling complaints
- Focus on the problem – not the person
- Describe your observations and perceptions
- Listen to the other person’s view
- Sandwich the feedback with a couple compliments
- Reinforce positive behavior
- Take personal ownership of the feedback you give
- Jointly agree on action to be taken
- Summarize your discussion, and show appreciation
Communication. Collaboration. Innovation. At Audigy, we’re your partner in learning, growing, and achieving results you never thought possible. Discover how our professional-development experts can help you, your practice, and your team today.