Talk Less. Talk Sense.

Yet again, just after a year; time to rethink and reiterate on what was written then - Communication is the link pin of every relationship - personal or professional. We need to ask question when required, seek for help when needed, KMS - Keep our mouth shut at the appropriate time. Most important of all, know when to do what!

1. Introduction: Do not use unnecessary adjectives when introducing others. Be specific and to the point. Ensure that there are no casual remarks.

2. Feedback: Do not give unsolicited feedbacks. As a boss you are bound to give feedback to your team members. In case you have to give a negative or bad feedback, be calm, and give it in a sandwiched fashion, adding some good points and tips for improvement. So also when you take feedback. In case you do not agree, ask for clarification, don’t argue. Be polite – and you could just say – “Thank you, but No Thank you.”

3. Confidentiality: This is the most important thing to remember. Whenever someone confides in you some confidential matter, ensure that you do not discuss it with any one. Remember, even wall have ears. If you breach confidentiality, your relationship would go for a toss for ever.

4. Hierarchy: In professional life; there are no friends, only colleagues. It is important to respect hierarchy. It is good to appear to be friendly with people at all level. But in case you talk about anything negative about your direct reports to the people reporting to them, it would be of great risk. Also we should not try to ask them, what our direct reports think about us bluntly as it would create a feeling of our lack of confidence. We need to ask it in a diplomatic manner as to ‘what do you think is the feedback about me on the floor?’

5. Problem: When you need to communicate problems, remember your boss or team members would be happy to hear about probable solutions, and not just a blunt problem statement. Ensure that you have some tips to overcome a problem, when you deliver it.

If a pen is mightier than sword; action speaks louder than words. The man of few words, have lesser risk of creating enemies. Why not try to be one?