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Mindful communication fosters collaboration
Video

Effective Workforce Communication

Factor in emotional intelligence to get more than your point across.

As you step into your civilian career, communication is going to be one of your biggest tools. But it’s more than just getting your point across. You need some emotional intelligence to really connect with coworkers.

Even with the best intentions, miscommunication happens. That’s normal. The key is learning to manage your own emotions before you respond. Take a breath, then be constructive in how you give and receive feedback. Think back to the military. You didn’t solve problems by pointing fingers, you solved them by figuring out the next step forward. It’s the same here. 

Stay open to your team’s communication needs and really pay attention to the overall vibe of the office. If your style lines up with theirs, your coworkers will be way more receptive to what you’re saying and way more likely to engage with your ideas.

As you step into your civilian career, strong communication skills will help you along the way. But communication is more than getting your point across. You need emotional intelligence to connect with coworkers.

Sometimes, there’s miscommunication despite everyone’s best of intentions. For your part, manage your own emotions before you respond. Be constructive in how you give and receive feedback. You can clear up misunderstandings by offering a fair and thoughtful way to move forward. 

Always be open to your team’s communication needs, and make sure your overall communication style fits with the general personality of the office. Your colleagues will be more receptive to what you have to say, and more likely to engage with your ideas.