The Best Way to Communicate in the Workplace

Jan. 21, 2009 -- Today's wireless world offers an endless array communication choices, giving businesses and individuals a myriad of efficient options to keep in touch with the rest of the world. But in many cases, the proliferation of choices has also blurred the rules of professional protocol.

Check out this scenario:

Kylie is stuck in traffic, running late for a meeting with her supervisor, Danielle. Danielle is a pretty mellow boss, only a few years older than Kylie, but she is strict about the importance of being on time.

Should Kylie:

a) call Danielle's office phone
b) call Danielle's cell phone
c) text Danielle
d) send Danielle an e-mail from her iPhone

Twenty years ago, the only possible answer to this questions would have been "a." There were few cell phones, text messages or e-mails, so professional protocol was clear.

But what about today? What is the right way to communicate when we have so many choices?

The answer is not simple. Because there are so many options, the way you choose to communicate at work has now become as important as what you say when you communicate. While you could see this as a challenge adding more complication to a job or internship, I suggest you consider this a great opportunity. Every time you make a savvy communication decision you are building a stronger professional reputation.

The best way to make decisions about how to communicate in various situations with various people is to ask this question:

How would this person want to receive this information?

That's it. Communication is first and foremost about the other person. It's not about what would be easiest, fastest or least scary for you. If you want to get ahead at work, communicate whatever way the other person wants to be communicated with.

Remember that "u" comes before "i" in the word "communicate." If you want your message to be received, the best thing you can do is to present it in a way that the listener wants to hear it.

Let's go back to the example of Kylie and Danielle. The first thing Kylie should ask herself is, "How would Danielle want me to communicate that I'm running late?"

While you may not know the exact answer in every situation, you can make some assumptions based on your knowledge. Is Danielle always on the phone so most calls go right to voicemail? Does she obsessively check her BlackBerry? Has Kylie ever texted Danielle? Knowing this information, Kylie can choose the fastest way to tell Danielle that she's running late.