Play it safe and smart

Very often as professionals, we find ourselves in an endless loop of explanations because of miscommunication.u00a0 A word or a mistatement here and there can put us in a spot of trouble. Here are some simple communication guidelines that can help you stay safe:



*u00a0Avoid interrupting. Making the person feel truly heard is at the core of successful communication. Let the person complete their say -- however incoherent and stupid they may sound, you must be a patient receiver and assist them in venting out. It works to your advantage, more than anybody else's. You can voice your disagreements in the end.

* Stay away from giving unwanted advice. This is what ticks most colleagues off. It is very simple to slip into a lecture when someone is sharing something with you. Guard against it, for it is very irritating for the person who is talking. Your advice will be accepted best only when the person has asked for it, remember!

* Learn to be a good listener. If you are forever eager to get your story out before hearing anyone else, you'll end up being tagged as a big old bore.

* Do not take away people's credit from them. How utterly annoying it would be if someone took all the praise for the hard work you put in? Be honest about your role. You may have been a key player in helping your
colleague achieve the target. But if the spotlight is on her, be generous and let her enjoy it. As long as you feel secure about your work, little else matters.

* When you feel irritated, agitated or irked up, immediately switch into looking at what might make you feel
better. It could mean walking out of the room, drinking a glass of water, taking a bathroom break, or simply closing your eyes. You will find yourself better equipped to see the situation differently.