Questionnaire Items Measuring Communication Skills
Communication skills are crucial for building relationships and exchanging information. The main components of communication skills include:
- Available: Being available for communication helps ensure you will not miss anything important.
- Attentive: Being attentive ensures you will hear all the details and facts.
- Responsive: Responding to emails, texts, and calls helps communication occur in real time. Asking and answering questions helps information to flow.
- Clarity: Being clear in your communications helps to make sure the messages are understood.
- Succinct: Avoid communicating unnecessary details. Focusing on the relevant information helps individuals to gain a better context for interpretation and use of the information.
- Sharing: It is important not to withhold information. Keeping others informed and up-to-date helps improve decision-making.
- Professionalism: Upholding a professional demeanor ensures that your communication is taken seriously by others.
- Timely: Making sure that your communication is timely ensures that others receive the information exactly when it's most needed.
- Persuasive: Persuading and inspiring others to take action ensures that your messages have a significant impact.
- Presenting: Delivering your message to large audiences helps to guarantee that it reaches the maximum number of individuals.
Effective communication skills are vital to a manager's success as they help to strengthen relationships, ensure the smooth flow of information, aid in decision-making, and influence the organization's outcomes.
360-Degree Feedback Questionnaires Measuring Communication Skills:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
360-Degree Feedback Questionnaire Items
The Communication Skills competency in a 360-Degree Feedback assessment includes items measuring .
Definition: Communication skills mean being able to adapt your communication to the audience. To be available, attentive, open for feedback, responsive. To be clear, succinct, and effective. To be able to communicate with superiors and to coach subordinates. To share information in a professional and timely manner. To have expertise, energy, and persuasiveness.
Audience Awareness
- Chooses the communication medium (ie. email, voice mail, memo, project document) that reflects the needs of the content. (ie. urgency, confidentiality, content scope)
- Adapts language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
- Considers the audience in how the communication is presented.
- Tailors oral communications to the intended audience.
- Tailors writing to the intended audience.
- Able to use multiple methods of communication.
- Explains complex concepts clearly, using terms/style appropriate for the audience
Available
- Approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- Keeps an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
- Maintains an open-door policy to be available for answers and guidance when needed.
- Keeps open and regular communication with others.
- Visible and approachable; is there when you need them.
- Marks their status as "available" to signal they are open for communication.
- Sets their on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
- Keeps open and regular communication with team members.
- Is visible and approachable.
Attentive
- Listens to others' points of view with an open mind
- Listens attentively and responds thoughtfully, showing they value the conversation.
- Listens attentively and without interrupting team members and customers
- Asks follow-up questions as needed.
- Accurately attends to/understands ideas which are exchanged.
- Listens actively & speaks clearly and directly.
- Takes the time to listen to your side in employer/employee disputes
- Able to understand the core issues of the conversation.
- Listens carefully.
- Listen and understand
- Takes time to listen to you
- Listens effectively.
- Listens well
Open
- Welcomes input and suggestions from others.
- Willing to communicate issues and concerns to colleagues.
- Makes eye contact with the person they are speaking with.
- Faces the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication.
- Maintains eye contact to foster direct communication.
- Open to receiving feedback from others.
- Willing to express their concerns to colleagues.
- Willing to accept feedback from others.
- Articulates ideas and emotions clearly to others.
- Effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others.
Responsive
- An effective listener who is responsive to information needs.
- Addresses issues of key importance to stakeholders.
- Responds to questions with accurate and complete answers
- Receives and answers questions - on the spot. S/he has a willingness to address the tough questions.
- Takes on challenging questions and provides instant answers.
- Listens effectively and responds to new information.
- Overcomes barriers that prevent effective communication.
- Responds to critical concerns of stakeholders.
- Acknowledges an understanding of what the other person is saying.
- Uses active listening techniques (e.g., paraphrasing, reflecting, open-ended questions) to ensure successful communication
Clarity
- Presents information in a clear and logical format.
- Delivers information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
- Clarifies problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts.
- Speaks clearly, fluently, and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.
- Articulates ideas clearly and assertively.
- Communicates clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details.
- Communicates a clear understanding of the subject at hand.
- Organizes ideas for better clarity.
- Reports are clear and persuasive.
- Demonstrates clear verbal and written communication skills
- Communicates clearly and concisely in writing (e.g., professional correspondence is well-organized, to the point, and uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar)
- Consistently speaks clearly.
- Able to clarify complex or technical information.
- Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style, and language for the reader.
- Clarifies words or statements to gain better understanding of the message.
- Communicates project information accurately and clearly.
Succinct
- Provides straightforward and brief directions.
- Deconstructs complex issues into understandable segments.
- Transforms complicated ideas into simple ones.
- Presents issues, ideas, and strategy concisely and clearly.
- Delivers clear and concise instructions.
- Produces written content that is both succinct and orderly.
- Conveys ideas confidently and succinctly.
- Able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting.
- Makes the complex simple.
- Focuses communications on the relevant key issues.
- Expresses ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
- Explains issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
- Writes in a concise and organized manner.
Effective
- Communicates effectively with colleagues and customers
- Is an effective communicator
- Communicates effectively with all levels of the organization.
- Effectively and regularly communicates regarding issues that are critical to the team
- Uses effective non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
- Able to effectively prepare and deliver presentations influentially.
- Communicates effectively with colleagues.
- Takes steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
- Communicates well
- Communicates effectively.
- Communicates effectively with colleagues and partners.
Communicates With Superiors
- Communicates with department leadership
- Keeps the supervisor informed about achievements and milestones.
- Confidently interacts with all tiers of the organization.
- Has the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization, external customers, suppliers, as well as the senior counsel of other companies.
- Effectively engages with everyone from the CEO to external partners.
- Facilitates seamless communication across all management levels.
- Confidently communicates across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders.
- Informs supervisor about progress made on goals and objectives.
- Engages in clear communication with both senior and junior management.
- Reports progress on goals to the supervisor.
- Communicates effectively with management, both upward and downward.
- Has the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization.
- Communications with college leadership
Coaches Others
- Coaches others and provides feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
- Coaches others on their written communication skills
- Ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques.
- Mentors others on enhancing their written communication.
- Conducts impactful training sessions.
- Is willing to give feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach.
- Delivers influential training.
- Communicates to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals.
- Shows employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization.
Confirms Communication
- Checks for understanding throughout conversations or group presentations/discussions
- Ensures comprehension during conversations or group presentations.
- Verifies understanding throughout discussions.
- Recaps action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution.
- Summarizes or paraphrases the current question to confirm understanding.
- Provides followup information and seeks to avoid misunderstandings.
- Summarizes the question to verify comprehension.
- Reviews any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
- Checks for understanding throughout conversations or group discussions
Communicates Goals/Vision
- Communicates goals of project, resources required, resources available, etc. to the team
- Communicates Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees within his/her organization.
- Communicates the vision of the organization to all employees.
- Communicates progress on business goals to team and upper management
- Writes appropriately within organizational guidelines and values.
- Lets people know what is expected of them.
Sharing
- Updates others on changes or progress in plans and goals.
- Notifies others about developments in plans and goals.
- Provides the reasoning behind choices and actions.
- Discusses ideas and concepts with peers.
- Informs others about changes or developments in plans and goals.
- Communicates concepts and ideas to others.
- Communicates crucial information to others.
- Shares important information with others.
- Shares concepts and ideas with others.
- Explains reasons behind decisions and actions.
Professionalism
- Maintains a formal and respectful tone, avoiding use of slang or overly casual language.
- Is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
- Presents their message with professionalism.
- Uses polite language and shows respect for others' opinions and time.
- Maintains self-control in conversations.
- Maintains good contact with others when speaking.
Timely
- Responds in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules.
- Communicates changes to team members in a timely manner
- Communicates company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner
Expertise/Competence
- Uses software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports.
- Delivers difficult/sensitive messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- Prepares effective external communications, using basic familiarity of legal requirements and limitations
- Deals with difficult situations calmly and confidently.
- Supports communication systems recently implemented.
- Delivers difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- Uses correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Energetic
- Delivers messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- Delivers messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- Conveys priorities with right sense of urgency and importance.
Persuasive
- Persuasive and articulate when communicating.
- Uses ideas and perspectives to persuade others.
- Inspires others to take action based on his/her communications
- Is an effective and motivating communicator.
- Able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
- Demonstrates persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
Presentations
- Able to deliver presentations.
- Presents clear and persuasive information in reports.
- Effectively delivers presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
- Delivers well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations.
- Comes across as comfortable and effective as a public speaker
- Prepares and delivers presentations.
- Delivers effective presentations.
- Delivers effective public presentations.
- Can effectively deliver presentations.
- Gives clear and convincing presentations.
- Delivers influential presentations.
- Prepares and delivers effective presentations that are influential.
Performance Feedback
- Provides feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement.
- Conducts regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams
- Writes complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria
- Implements performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria
Employee Opinion Survey Items
Effective communication skills empower employees to collaborate efficiently, make well-informed decisions, and significantly contribute to the company's profitability.
Communication from Leadership
- My Supervisor has excellent communication skills
- Managers communicate frequently and honestly about issues affecting employees
- Senior management communicates well with the rest of the organization
Available
- The manager is visible and approachable; is there when you need them.
- My supervisor is approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- Associates will mark their status as "available" to signal they are open for communication.
- Sales reps set their on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
- The team leader keeps open and regular communication with team members.
- The manager keeps an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
- My supervisor is visible and approachable.
- My supervisor keeps open and regular communication with others.
- My Manager is available to me when I have questions or need help
Attentive
- HR Managers will listen to both side in employer/employee disputes
- The team leader listens attentively and without interrupting to team members and customers
- At our company, people listen to others' points of view with an open mind
- Co-Workers are willing to listen to my ideas
- People in my department listen carefully.
- Coworkers will ask follow-up questions as needed.
- I feel the manager accurately attends to/understands ideas which are exchanged.
- Senior leaders listen attentively and responds thoughtfully, showing they value the conversation.
- The manager takes the time to listen to you
- My supervisor listens actively & speaks clearly and directly.
- My Supervisor attentively listens to me
- My Supervisor listens to me
Open
- I feel my manager articulates ideas and emotions clearly to others
- Managers are open to receiving feedback from others
- In our department, colleagues are effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others
- In our department, people know how to face the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication
- Colleagues are generally willing to accept feedback from others
- My Supervisor is willing to listen to my ideas
- I actively seek feedback from colleagues and customers about my work.
- Employees are willing to communicate issues and concerns
- My supervisor welcomes input and suggestions from others
- My supervisor takes the time to makes eye contact with the person they are speaking with
- Leaders and managers use face-to-face contact.
- I am able to communicate freely with any employee
Responsive
- My manager is able to quickly respond with answers to questions on the spot
- My manager listens carefully and responds to new information
- People in my department are responsive and acknowledge an understanding of what the other person is saying
- My manager courageously takes on challenging questions and provides instant answers
- The Benefits Department responds to questions with accurate and complete answers
- I can get the information I need to do my job
- We regularly address issues of key importance to stakeholders
- I believe I am an effective listener who is responsive to information needs
Clarity
- Decisions are clear and are communicated effectively organization-wide.
- Senior leaders are able to present information in a clear and logical format
- My supervisor articulates ideas clearly and assertively
- The team leader communicates a clear understanding of the subject at hand
- My manager has the technical skills to be able to clarify complex or technical information
- I am comfortable clarifying problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts
- The reports our department generates are clear and persuasive
- The shift lead communicates clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details
- The project supervisor communicates project information accurately and clearly
- My manager demonstrates clear verbal and written communication skills
Succinct
- People in our department produce written content that is both succinct and orderly
- The supervisor delivers clear and concise instructions regarding use of the equipment
- In our department, we focus communications on the relevant key issues
- The manager provides straightforward and brief directions
- Leadership expresses ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
- Leaders in our department convey ideas confidently and succinctly
- My supercisor explains issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
- My manager is able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting
- I can write reports in a concise and organized manner
Effective
- Employees in our department communicate effectively
- My supervisor communicates well
- My coworkers communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
- I am comfortable communicating with colleagues and partners
- Meetings are usually chaired by competent and articulate individuals who can effectively communicate ideas and information
- I know how to effectively use non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
- My team communicates effectively with others
- I believe my manager is an effective communicator
- My manager communicates effectively with all levels of the organization
- I take steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
- I can communicate effectively with colleagues
- Communication is good between departments.
- The team leader effectively and regularly communicates regarding issues that are critical to the team
- There are no barriers to open and efficient communication
- There is good communication between departments.
- I am satisfied with the information I receive from Managers on what's going on in the Company
- Leadership at Company communicates well with employees
Communicates With Superiors
- There is good communication between me and my supervisor
- I can speak freely to my supervisor on a variety of topics
- My Supervisor works to improve communications in all directions
- I feel confident in communicating across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders
- I can confidently interact with all tiers of the organization
- The culture of our organization facilitates seamless communication across all management levels
- I try to keep the supervisor informed about achievements and milestones
- I know how to communicates effectively with management, both upward and downward
- People in my department generally engage in clear communication with both senior and junior management
- I have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization
- I am comfortable communicating with department leadership
- I report progress on goals to the supervisor
- I am satisfied with my manager's communication and interpersonal skills.
- Leadership at Company communicates freely with employees.
- My Supervisor keeps me informed about important issues
Coaches Others
- Managers show employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization
- Supervisors mentor others on enhancing their written communication
- I feel comfortable giving feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach
- Managers communicate to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals
- The HR Department conducts impactful training sessions
- I feel my manager is able to coach others and provide feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
- Branch managers coach others on their written communication skills
- I feel ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques
- HR delivers influential training
Confirms Communication
- The team leader recaps action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution
- The supervisor verifies understanding throughout discussions
- When in Q&A, our manager summarizes or paraphrases the current question to confirm understanding
- The project manager reviews any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
- My manager provides followup information and seeks to avoid misunderstandings
Internal Communications
- I regularly read the Company newsletter and other publications
- The internal communication I receive through road shows, e-mails and newsletters about the direction and successes of the business is effective
Communicates Goals/Vision
- CompanyName does a good job communicating business objectives.
- Managers communicate a clear sense of direction for my organization.
- I feel well informed about company goals and strategic directions.
- Our manager communicates Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees in the department
- Goals, objectives, and strategies are clearly communicated.
- The company directors give staff a clear picture of the direction in which the Company is headed
- Our senior leaders establish a clear direction for the company.
- I can clearly explain the business objectives of my local function or business unit to others
- I can see the link between my work and the Company's objectives
Sharing
- Information and knowledge are freely shared at the Company
- The company does an excellent job communicating changes or decisions that affect employees.
- My Supervisor does a good job sharing information with me
- Employees at the Company regularly share and exchange ideas
- My manager does a good job of sharing information.
- Managers keep me informed and up-to-date
- Co-workers share information and new ideas throughout the company
- Financial and quality performance reports are shared with employees.
Professionalism
- My supervisor maintains self-control in conversations
- Everyone in our department maintains good contact with others when speaking
- People in our department maintain a formal and respectful tone, avoiding use of slang or overly casual language
- My manager is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
- Colleagues use polite language and shows respect for others' opinions and time
- My manager is professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates
Timely
- The team lead communicates company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner
- Communications about changes are sent to team members in a timely manner
- Managers rspond in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules
- The team leader communicates changes to team members in a timely manner
- I usually know in plenty of time when important things happen.
- Company communications keep me up-to-date.
- Leadership at the Company communicates frequently with employees
- Senior Management at Company communicates at an appropriate frequency with employees.
Expertise/Competence
- Exhibits competence by communicating calmly and confidently in difficult situations.
- I am comfortable delivering difficult messages to superiors and subordinates.
- My manager deals with difficult situations calmly and confidently
- I feel supervisors deliver difficult/sensitive messages to my co-workers in an appropriate manner
- The department head supports communication systems recently implemented
- The team leader is able to deliver difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- Coworkers use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
- People in my department are comfortable using software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports
Energetic
- Senior leadership delivers messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction
- My manager conveys priorities with right sense of urgency and importance
- The supervisor delivers messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction
- My manager is able to deliver messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
Persuasive
- My manager inspires others to take action based on his/her communications
- My Supervisor is a skilled negotiator
- My manager uses ideas and perspectives to persuade others
- The supervisor is an effective and motivating communicator
- The team leader demonstrates persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives
- The project lead is able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives
- I feel that I am persuasive and articulate when communicating
Presentations
- My boss gives clear and convincing presentations
- I feel that I am able to deliver effective presentations
- My manager delivers effective presentations
- My colleagues deliver influential presentations
- I can effectively deliver presentations
- Leadership here is effective in delivering presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
- Employees in my department present clear and persuasive information in reports
- I know how to deliver effective public presentations
- The project head delivers well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations
- Leaders here come across as comfortable and effective as a public speakers
Performance Feedback
- My manager conducts regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams
- I can write complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria
- I am comfortable providing feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement
- I am comfortable giving feedback to others.
- The supervisor implements performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria
Self-Assessment Items
Audience Awareness
- You choose the communication medium (ie. email, voice mail, memo, project document) that reflects the needs of the content. (ie. urgency, confidentiality, content scope)
- I adapt language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
- You consider the audience in how the communication is presented.
- You tailor oral communications to the intended audience.
- You are able to use multiple methods of communication.
- You explain complex concepts clearly, using terms/style appropriate for the audience
- You tailor writing to the intended audience.
Available
- I set the on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
- I am approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- You keep open and regular communication with others.
- You are visible and approachable; is there when others are in need.
- I mark my status as "available" to signal I am open for communication.
- I maintain an open-door policy to be available for answers and guidance when needed.
- I keep an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
- You keep open and regular communication with team members.
- You are visible and approachable.
Attentive
- You listen to others' points of view with an open mind
- I listen attentively and respond thoughtfully, showing I value the conversation.
- You ask follow-up questions as needed.
- You accurately attends to/understands ideas which are exchanged.
- You listen attentively and without interrupting team members and customers
- You listen actively & speaks clearly and directly.
- You are listening to both sides in employer/employee disputes
- You listen carefully.
- You are able to understand the core issues of the conversation.
- You take time to listen to others
- You listen and understand
- You listen effectively.
- You listen well
Open
- I make eye contact with the person I am speaking with.
- I articulate ideas and emotions clearly to others.
- I am open to receiving feedback from others.
- I am willing to communicate issues and concerns to colleagues.
- I am willing to express my concerns to colleagues.
- I welcome input and suggestions from others.
- I face the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication.
- I maintain eye contact to foster direct communication.
- I am willing to accept feedback from others.
- You are effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others.
Responsive
- You an effective listener who is responsive to information needs.
- You respond to questions with accurate and complete answers
- You address issues of key importance to stakeholders.
- I listen effectively and respond to new information.
- I respond to critical concerns of stakeholders.
- I take on challenging questions and provide instant answers.
- You overcome barriers that prevent effective communication.
- You receive and answer questions - on the spot and have a willingness to address the tough questions.
- You acknowledge an understanding of what the other person is saying.
- You use active listening techniques (e.g., paraphrasing, reflecting, open-ended questions) to ensure successful communication
Clarity
- You present information in a clear and logical format.
- I clarify problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts.
- I articulate ideas clearly and assertively.
- You speak clearly, fluently, and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.
- You deliver information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
- I communicate clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details.
- You demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills
- You communicate a clear understanding of the subject at hand.
- You create reports that are clear and persuasive.
- You organize ideas for better clarity.
- You consistently speak clearly.
- You are able to clarify complex or technical information.
- You clarify words or statements to gain better understanding of the message.
- You write in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style, and language for the reader.
- You communicate clearly and concisely in writing (e.g., professional correspondence is well-organized, to the point, and uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar)
- You communicate project information accurately and clearly.
Succinct
- You make the complex simple.
- You present issues, ideas, and strategy concisely and clearly.
- You convey ideas confidently and succinctly.
- I provide straightforward and brief directions.
- You deliver clear and concise instructions.
- I deconstruct complex issues into understandable segments.
- I produce written content that is both succinct and orderly.
- I transform complicated ideas into simple ones.
- I am able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting.
- You explain issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
- You focus communications on the relevant key issues.
- You express ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
- You write in a concise and organized manner.
Effective
- You communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
- You are an effective communicator
- You communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
- You effectively and regularly communicate regarding issues that are critical to the team
- You take steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
- You are able to effectively prepare and deliver presentations influentially.
- You communicate effectively with colleagues.
- You use effective non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
- You communicate effectively with colleagues and partners.
- You communicate well
- You communicate effectively.
Communicates With Superiors
- You communicate with department leadership
- I report progress on goals to the supervisor.
- I confidently interact with all tiers of the organization.
- I engage in clear communication with both senior and junior management.
- I effectively engage with everyone from the CEO to external partners.
- I facilitate seamless communication across all management levels.
- You inform supervisor about progress made on goals and objectives.
- I keep my supervisor informed about achievements and milestones.
- I confidently communicate across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders.
- You have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from ceo down) of the organization, external customers, suppliers, as well as the senior counsel of other companies.
- You communicate effectively with management, both upward and downward.
- You have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from ceo down) of the organization.
- You communicate with college leadership
Coaches Others
- You coach others and provides feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
- I conduct impactful training sessions.
- You are willing to give feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach.
- You coach others on their written communication skills
- I mentor others on enhancing their written communication.
- I am ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques.
- You deliver influential training.
- You communicate to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals.
- You show employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization.
Confirms Communication
- You check for understanding throughout conversations or group presentations/discussions
- I verify understanding throughout discussions.
- You summarize or paraphrase the current question to confirm understanding.
- I recap action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution.
- I ensure comprehension during conversations or group presentations.
- You provide followup information and seek to avoid misunderstandings.
- I summarize the question to verify comprehension.
- You review any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
- You check for understanding throughout conversations or group discussions
Communicates Goals/Vision
- You communicate Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees within your organization.
- You communicate the vision of the organization to all employees.
- You communicate goals of project, resources required, resources available, etc. to the team
- You write appropriately within organizational guidelines and values.
- You communicate progress on business goals to team and upper management
- You let people know what is expected of them.
Sharing
- You inform others about changes or developments in plans and goals.
- I discuss ideas and concepts with peers.
- You share important information with others.
- I communicate concepts and ideas to others.
- I communicate crucial information to others.
- I update others on changes or progress in plans and goals.
- I provide the reasoning behind choices and actions.
- I notify others about developments in plans and goals.
- You share concepts and ideas with others.
- You explain reasons behind decisions and actions.
Professionalism
- You are professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
- I maintain a formal and respectful tone, avoid using of slang or overly casual language.
- I use polite language and show respect for others' opinions and time.
- You present your message with professionalism.
- You maintain self-control in conversations.
- You maintain good contact with others when speaking.
Timely
- I respond in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules.
- You communicate changes to team members in a timely manner
- You communicate company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner
Expertise/Competence
- You use software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports.
- You deal with difficult situations calmly and confidently.
- You deliver difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- You deliver difficult/sensitive messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- You support communication systems recently implemented.
- You prepare effective external communications, using basic familiarity of legal requirements and limitations
- You use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Energetic
- You deliver messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- You deliver messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- You convey priorities with right sense of urgency and importance.
Persuasive
- You are persuasive and articulate when communicating.
- You use ideas and perspectives to persuade others.
- You inspire others to take action based on your communications
- You are able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
- You are an effective and motivating communicator.
- You demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
Presentations
- You are able to deliver presentations.
- You can effectively deliver presentations.
- You prepare and deliver presentations.
- You deliver influential presentations.
- You present clear and persuasive information in reports.
- You deliver effective presentations.
- You effectively deliver presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
- You come across as comfortable and effective as a public speaker
- You deliver effective public presentations.
- You deliver well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations.
- You give clear and convincing presentations.
- You prepare and deliver effective presentations that are influential.
Performance Feedback
- You implement performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria
- I provide feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement.
- You write complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria
- You conduct regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams
Job Interview Questions
Audience Awareness
- It is important to be flexible in our communication methods. Describe how you use different methods of communication depending on the audience?
- Explain how you would consider the audience in how the communication is presented.
- Explaining complex concepts clearly can be a challenge. How do you use terms/style appropriate for the audience?
- Being aware of the audience you are communicating with is important. How do you adapt language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience?
- Describe how you choose the communication medium (ie. email, voice mail, memo, project document) that reflects the needs of the content. (ie. urgency, confidentiality, content scope).
- How do you tailor oral communications to the intended audience?
- Describe how you would tailor writing to the intended audience.
Available
- Would others describe you as visible and approachable; is there when needed?
- Do you try to be visible and approachable?
- Describe how you keep open and regular communication with others.
- Describe how you are approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- Explain how you maintain an open-door policy to be available for answers and guidance when needed.
- Do you regularly sets your on-line status to "available" to indicate you are available for communication?
- How do you keep an open-door policy to provide support and guidance?
- What steps do you take to mark your status as "available" to signal you are open for communication?
- Maintaining communication with team members is important. How do you keep open and regular communication with team members?
Attentive
- Do you feel you are able to understand the core issues of conversations?
- Do you listen carefully? If so, give an example.
- It is important to avoid interrupting the customer when they are speaking. Give and example of when you listened attentively without interrupting customers.
- Showing others that you value their conversation is important. Give examples of when you listened attentively and responded thoughtfully.
- Describe how you would listen to others' points of view with an open mind.
- Do you listen well?
- Give examples of when you asked follow-up questions as needed.
- This is a customer service position. Do you listen actively & speak clearly and directly?
- Give an example of when you took the time to listen to both sides in employer/employee disputes.
Open
- Give an example of when you communicated issues and concerns to colleagues.
- Are you open to receiving feedback from others?
- Have you ever had to express your concerns to colleagues?
- Building a raport with clients is important. Do you make eye contact with the person you are speaking with?
- Communicating ideas is important. Describe how you articulated ideas clearly to others?
- Give an example of when you welcomed input and suggestions from others.
- Would you colleagues say that you are willing to accept feedback from others?
- Maintaining strong interpersonal skills is critical for this position. Give a brief example of how you communicated thoughts or feelings to others.
Responsive
- Sometimes there are barriers to effective communication (e.g., technical, procedural) Describe when you overcame barriers that prevent effective communication? What did you do? How did you work around the issue?
- Describe a recent situation in which you used active listening techniques (e.g., paraphrasing, reflecting, open-ended questions) to ensure successful communication.
- Describe a recent situation when you listened effectively and responded to that new information.
- Letting the other person know that you understand them is important. When have you acknowledged an understanding of what another person was saying?
- This position requires you to think fast. Do you feel you are ready to take on challenging questions and provide instant answers?
- Do you receive and answer questions - on the spot. Are you willing to address the tough questions?
- How do you respond to critical concerns of stakeholders?
- Sometimes you may be asked to respond to something outside of your area of knowledge or expertise. Describe how you would respond to those questions with accurate and complete answers.
- Are you an effective listener who is responsive to information needs?
- Have you had to address issues of key importance to stakeholders?
Clarity
- Are your reports clear and persuasive? Elaborate.
- Describe when you have had to clarify complex or technical information.
- Do you consistently speak clearly?
- Would others say that you regularly speak clearly, fluently, and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups?
- Describe when you have had to clarify words or statements to gain better understanding of the message.
- How do you clarifies problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts?
- As a leader it is important to be confident and speak clearly. Describe when you have had to articulate ideas clearly and assertively.
- Describe something that you had to communicate clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details.
- Professionalism is important. Describe how you communicate clearly and concisely in writing (e.g., professional correspondence is well-organized, to the point, and uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar).
- Do you deliver information in a clear, concise, and logical manner?
- How do you ensure that the communication of project information is accurate and clear?
- Do you writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style, and language for the reader?
- Give an example that show that you can demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Describe when you had to present information in a clear and logical format.
Succinct
- Describe when you made complex ideas simple for people to more readily understand?
- How do you deconstruct complex issues into more understandable segments?
- Give examples of when you produced written content that was both succinct and orderly.
- How do you deliver clear and concise instructions?
- Are you able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting? Give examples.
- Give examples of when you conveyed ideas confidently and succinctly.
- Give an example of when you presented issues, ideas, and strategy concisely and clearly.
- How do you express ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings?
- Explain how you would write in a concise and organized manner.
- Staying on point is important when there are so many moving parts. Describe a recent situation in which you had to focus communications on the relevant key issues?
- Describe how you would explain issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information.
- How do you transform complicated ideas into simple ones?
- Explain how you provide straightforward and brief directions.
Effective
- Would your colleagues say that you communicate effectively with them?
- Are you an effective communicator? Give examples.
- What steps do you take to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed? (turn phone off? change status to busy?)
- How do you communicate effectively with all levels of the organization?
- As a team leader, keeping the team informed is important. How effectively and regularly do you communicate to the team the issues that are critical to them?
- Do you communicate effectively with colleagues and customers?
- Are you able to effectively prepare and deliver presentations? Are they influential?
Communicates with Supervisors
- Give examples of how you communicate effectively with management. Both upward and downward.
- How do you inform your supervisor about progress made on goals and objectives?
- Describe how you would facilitate seamless communication across all management levels.
- Do you confidently communicate across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders?
- When have you recently had to communicate with department leadership?
- Do you engage in clear communication with both senior and junior management?
- Do you have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization, external customers, suppliers, as well as the senior counsel of other companies?
- It is important to interact with all tiers of the organization. Give examples of when you did this.
- Do you keep your supervisor informed about achievements and milestones?
- How do you currently report progress on goals to the supervisor?
- Can you effectively engage with everyone from the CEO to external partners?
- Do you have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from CEO down) of the organization?
Coaches Others
- Are you ready to offer feedback, even if it involves tough critiques?
- How would you deliver influential training?
- When have you had to mentor others on enhancing their written communication?
- Do you conduct impactful training sessions? Explain.
- Do you coach others on their written communication skills?
- Are you willing to give feedback to others even if that feedback is critical of their approach? Explain.
- When have you shown employees how their work contributed to the success of the organization?
Confirms Communication
- Give an example of when you provided follow-up information to avoid misunderstandings.
- Have you reviewed any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding the meeting to ensure clarity and that plans would be executed?
- How do you ensure comprehension during conversations or group presentations?
- In question and answer sessions, do you summarize the question to verify comprehension?
- Do you regularly recap action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution?
- Do you check for understanding throughout conversations or group discussions?
- Give examples of when you checked for understanding throughout conversations or group presentations/discussions.
- Explain how you would summarize or paraphrase the current question to confirm understanding?
Communicates Goals/Vision
- How do you let people know what is expected of them?
- How do you communicate progress on business goals to team and upper management.
- Describe how you communicate goals of project, resources required, resources available, etc. to the team?
- Give an example of when you had to communicate corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees within your organization.
- How would you communicate the vision of the organization to all employees?
Sharing
- Explain how you would communicate crucial information to others.
- Have you had to discuss ideas and concepts with peers?
- Give an example of when you notified others about developments in plans and goals.
- Give an example of when you recently communicated concepts and ideas to others.
- Describe when you had to update others on changes or progress in plans and goals.
- How would you explain reasons behind decisions and actions?
- How do you inform others about changes or developments in plans and goals?
- Describe how you would provide the reasoning behind choices and actions? Under what circumstances?
- Describe a recent situation in which you had to share important information with others.
- How do you shares concepts and ideas with others?
Professionalism
- Do you always use polite language and shows respect for others' opinions and time?
- Do you always maintain self-control in conversations?
- It is important to be professional at all times. Have you ever been accused of ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates?
- How do you maintain good contact with others when speaking?
- Do you always maintain a formal and respectful tone, avoiding use of slang or overly casual language?
- Describe when you recently presented a message with professionalism.
Timely
- Do you communicate company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner?
- Give an example of when you communicated changes to team members in a timely manner.
- How do you respond in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules?
Expertise/Competence
- How would you deliver difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner?
- Do you use software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports?
- How do you deal with difficult situations calmly and confidently?
- Give an example of when you prepared effective external communications, using basic familiarity of legal requirements and limitations?
- Explain how you supported the communication systems recently implemented.
- How do you deliver difficult/sensitive messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner?
Energetic
- Do you deliver messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction?
- How do you convey priorities with right sense of urgency and importance?
- Describe a situation in which you recently delivered messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
Persuasive
- How do you demonstrates persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives?
- Describe how you are persuasive and articulate when communicating.
- Describe how you inspires others to take action based on his/her communications.
- Are you able to demonstrate persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives?
- Would others describe you as effective and motivating communicator?
- How do you use ideas and perspectives to persuade others?
Presentations
- Are you able to deliver presentations?
- Explain how you would give clear and convincing presentations.
- Would others say that you come across as comfortable and effective as a public speaker?
- Do you deliver effective presentations?
- Can you deliver effectively presentations?
- How do you deliver well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations?
- How do you effectively deliver presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences?
- Do you deliver influential presentations?
- Do you deliver effective public presentations?
- Reports are used extensively in our department. Do you present clear and persuasive information in reports? Explain.
- How do you prepare and deliver presentations?
- How do you prepare and deliver effective presentations that are influential?
Performance Feedback
- Give an example of how you would provide feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement.
- How would you implement performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria?
- Explain how you would write complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria?
- Do you conduct regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams?